The Paris Olympics have long ended. But an air of disappointment prevails as the two American track favorites  Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton – missed the 200m golden mark. While Lyles is the reigning 200m world champion, his compatriot Knighton was the silver medalist on the same stage. Thus, most spectators awaited their Paris showdowns with bated breath. But, the results were hardly as anticipated, as Lyles returned with a bronze, while Knighton missed the podium altogether.

Well, it sure looks like the track and field community isn’t getting over the same soon. Days after the 2024 Paris Olympics, a sprint legend has now openly voiced his disbelief. Taking to X, 4-time Olympic Champion Michael Johnson opined, “If you had told me in early 2021 that after two Olympics Noah Lyles would not have an Olympic 200 gold and Erryon Knighton would not have an Olympic medal, you would’ve taken all my money!” Referring to both the 2021 and 2024 Olympic Games, Johnson appears confounded at the 200m Olympic results attained by the two speedsters.

In June 2024, both Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton were in stellar form as they powered down the Hayward Field track during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Lyles clocked an impressive 19.53 seconds, setting a meet record and establishing a world-leading time—at least until Kishane Thompson later overtook that mark. Meanwhile, Knighton put in a strong performance as well, finishing third with a season-best of 19.77 seconds. Given these remarkable showings, it’s no wonder there was widespread confidence in their potential heading into the Olympics.

But, the two exactly replicated their Tokyo Olympics performances, where they finished third and fourth respectively. And once again, in 19.70 seconds, Noah Lyles clinched a bronze at Paris, while Knighton failed to medal despite 19.99s on the board. Interestingly, the two had reactions that were poles apart. While one did not shy from voicing his thoughts after his wide-off performance, the other threw himself into the post-Olympics circuit instantly.

Noah Lyles took a break but Knighton opted for a different coping mechanism

Noah Lyles had a lofty reputation to maintain as he walked into Stade de France for the 200m finals. Not having lost a single 200m final since Tokyo, it was later revealed that he was running despite being diagnosed with COVID-19. While Lyles had the option to complete the 100-200m golden double after Carl Lewis, he visibly struggled, unable to catch his breath after the 200m dash.“I’ve never been in such a hard battle,” he claimed. When asked, Noah Lyles even said he was proud of himself for still managing to claim a bronze. He said, “It’s taken its toll, for sure, but I’ve never been prouder of myself.” 

On the other hand, Erriyon Knighton abruptly left the media zone after his 200m loss, not stopping for any interviews—a move that took many by surprise. Instead, it was later seen that the athlete threw himself into the Diamond League circuit. From Lausanne to Silesia, he has been competing in back-to-back events. Now, the Zurich Diamond League is on the horizon. On September 5, he is slated to go head-to-head against fellow Americans Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley, as well as Letsile Tebogo, while Noah Lyles remains absent. Do you think Knighton can redeem himself? Share your thoughts below!