“Backseat Does Not Mean Gone”: Noah Lyles Loss Invites Former American Olympian to Pen Down Track and Field Cryptics Amidst Diamond League 2023 Finals

The 2023 athletics season has finally come to an end. On September 16, the world witnessed new records being made in the Prefontaine Classic 2023. There were several shockers that left the fans stunned, and one of them was Noah Lyles‘ defeat in the 100-meter meet. The current world champion lost his race in a dramatic fashion, which might be one of the biggest setbacks of the 2023 season. Lyles tried his best to finish the season on a high note, but Christian Coleman made him settle for the second position.

However, in a postrace interview, the Florida-based runner looked calm and was happy with his performance in the finals. This did not go too well for him, as former American Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson shared a cryptic message on social media.

Michael Johnson posts an enigmatic message

The former world champion took it to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “The concepts of winning, losing, and competition have definitely taken a backseat in track and field outside the major global championships.” It seems like the former American runner has observed the lack of competitiveness in the athletes, as he further added, “Backseat does not mean gone or completely absent.” Johnson is known for his candid personality, and he never shies away from sharing his views on the topics he finds debatable. On Saturday, the world witnessed the best athletes around the world battling it out at Hayward Field Stadium in Eugene for the Diamond Trophy.

However, it felt like a glitch in the matrix as both the reigning world champions had to face defeats in their respective 100-meter meets. Noah Lyles had to settle for second place after Christian Coleman crossed the finish line in the top spot. On the other hand, Sha’Carri Richardson also lost her heat against Shericka Jackson, Marie-Josée Ta Lou, and Elaine Thompson-Herah and could only manage to finish fourth in the heat. It was not the first time Johnson spoke about Lyles on a public platform, as he had appreciated the efforts of the triple world champion in the past.

Noah Lyles gets applause from the legend himself

Johnson shared an appreciation post for Noah Lyles after he won the 200-meter sprint at the NYC Grand Prix 2023. He shared a still of the race in which Lyles was seen striking a pose after the win while all his opponents could be seen lying on the ground as they looked exhausted. Johnson wrote, “This was a 200 right? Why everyone but Noah look like they just finished a 400?” 

Read More: Not Sha’Carri Richardson, but Jamaican Athlete Rests in Noah Lyles’ Heart as He Claims: “Always Going to Be My Number One”

This was also the same meet when Lyles created history after he matched Usain Bolt‘s record of most 200-meter finishes under twenty seconds (34 times). Later on, he broke the record as well. As Noah Lyles continues to capture the attention of legends and fans alike, even in the face of defeat. His remarkable achievements and candid spirit earn him recognitions from the legends, and his determination to push boundaries ensures his place in the track and field legacy.

Watch this story: After Flaunting World Championship Medals, Noah Lyles Gets Back to Hustle Again Ahead of Prefontaine Diamond League