When he was good, he wanted to be better. Now that he’s better, he aspires to be the best! Noah Lyles‘ is constantly shooting for the stars! And his definition of aiming high now means branching out beyond his 100m and 200m signature events, to the relay quartet. However, reality reveals that this remains a controversial landscape for him. History shows that whenever the 6-time world champion has walked through the 4x400m minefield, it has led to explosive reactions!

So, does it mean Noah Lyles will step down from his ambitious plans? Well, certainly not. But he has indeed left it to the experts to call the shots! Regardless of how sincerely he wishes to be part of the 4x400m relay pool, he has decided to rely on the visionaries who will holistically narrow down a balanced USA relay squad.

You can count on me, ft. Noah Lyles

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, published on 20th July, Noah Lyles voiced a surprisingly different take than his previous stances vis-à-vis the 4x400m relay debate. He remarked, “Anyone who is on the US team can be in the relay pool. It’s the relay coaches’ decision.” He seemed okay with the possibility of a relay pool minus him to be selected by the coaches, as he hails their call supreme.

However, having seemingly acknowledged that his selection possibility in the category seems bleak currently, given the existing phenoms in the division, he still reassures of his presence. What if the team needs to turn on a dime? In any case, he guaranteed, “If they want to use me, I am here.” But, he continued, “I am not going to have hurt feelings about it.”

What hurt is he talking about? Well, earlier in March 2024, Noah Lyles’ run in the 4x400m finals at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow had lighted a fierce fire. Replacing Trevor Bassitt in the final four had attracted tags of ‘pure politics’ for Lyles from the track and field fanatics. Moreover, athletic star Fred Kerley openly joined the critic party, directing “Y’all play favoritism like mf. Y’all like puppets. For sure, yes men,” straight at USATF. What’s more, the American team bore the brunt, facing a crushing defeat by the Belgians.

Not even 5 whole months from this date, and Lyles has mired in another 4x400m war of words. Who was on the other side of the court this time? Ps: it was the current 400m #1 ranker, Quincy Hall.

Lyles’ comments irked 400m pro, Quincy Hall

Noah Lyles has hardly ever ‘not been’ vocal about his ambitions. Including his dream to feature in the 4x400m relay category for his nation. However, at the Track World News Podcast, he took a little too far, which did not settle well with many. Setting down his ‘ideal 4’ for the Team USA relay event, he included himself in the squad, as well as Chris Bailey, Michael Norman, and Rai Benjamin. Notice something? Well, everybody did. He skipped the 2024 400m world lead Quincy Hall!

While this itself was astonishing to many, his outlook was even more controversial. “The only reason I wouldn’t use the current UU champion is because I don’t think he would be a starter. I feel like using him on the first leg would just be almost like a waste to his talent.” Evidently riled, Hall reverted with a frank challenge for Lyles. He took to X and wrote, “Noah Lyles I don’t bother nobody but my blocks ready anytime you feel like you can beat me in the 400 you was talking to much on my name on yo little podcast @TrackWorldNews1 I don’t do the little slick comments and remarks I line up 💯🐶”

Though Rai Benjamin mediated later, with “Yall gotta stop this 4 x 4 talk. And you “blogs” have to be better.” But, one thing is certain, Lyles’ 4x400m interventions are prone to land him in trouble. What do you think of his chances in this event? Let us know below.