“No words, just action”- This statement captures the legendary tension between reigning 100m world champion Fred Kerley and 100m relay gold medalist Noah Lyles. Their fierce competitiveness shines through in every race. The rivalry took a dramatic turn recently with Kerley’s scathing and cryptic comments on Lyles’ last-minute inclusion in the 4x400m relay finals at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Despite the controversy, both athletes have qualified for the US Olympic Track & Field Trials finals.

Today, at the 2024 US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Noah Lyles returned to the track with determination. In a thrilling finish, he clocked 9.83 seconds, securing a WORLD LEAD and booking his ticket to Paris. Meanwhile, Fred Kerley also impressed, finishing third with 9.88 seconds. The stage is now set for an intense showdown. Lyles has opted for silence as the competition intensifies, allowing his track performances to overshadow the brewing rivalry.

Noah Lyles lets performance speak amid heated rivalry with Fred Kerley

Recently, CITIUS MAG posted a video on YouTube featuring Noah Lyles. In the video, Lyles discussed the race where he, Kenny Bednarek, and Fred Kerley finished 1-2-3. He also addressed whether there was any rivalry between them. When asked about his confidence to dominate, Lyles answered, “I was preparing getting faster and faster each time so when I came out here it was like I’m you know one of the fastest in the field.” He assured everyone that he would “take care of business each time,” regardless of his opponent. 

Noah mentioned that he felt his knees driving straight into the track with each powerful step, and each stride felt stronger than the last. Confidently, he thought, “I’ve got this race,“ and reminded himself not to ease up at the end. However, he did ease up a little to celebrate what was a clear victory. He stayed silent despite Kerley’s comments on his inclusion in the USATF 4x400m relay at the Glasgow Indoors.

Kerley had written, “@usatf y’all play that favoritism like mf. Yall like puppets. For sure yes man”. However, in the press conference, Fred Kerley remained calm when talking about the rivalry. When he was asked about him and Lyles joking around in Budapest about the rivalry, “I guess how important is it for track to have rivalries and and and just things like that just maybe playful banter or whatever.” He also added that more than rivalry, the reason they love the sport is because of the stiff competition. Noah agreed, saying that sometimes the media and fans create rivalries that are “not really there”. 

He referred to them as the “easy way out”. Lyles further added that their competitive natures should be organically highlighted, “Let’s not try to force it but you know let’s try to find it where it is natural and you know give it as much spotlight as we can”. Both Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley seemed to be level-headed when talking about their interpersonal relationship. While not a friendship, there is certainly camaraderie between them.

Both athletes putting their best foot forward for Paris Olympics

Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles have had a great 2024 qualifier season for the trials. But admittedly, Lyles’ has been better. He won the men’s 100m trial in 9.83s and also secured gold at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix in 9.96s. Additionally, he won the 60m Indoors Championship with a time of 6.43s in Albuquerque. He won the NYC Grand Prix in 19.77s and secured silver at the World Athletics Indoors in Glasgow for the 60m event. He also set the world record in the Adidas Atlanta Pros with a time of 14.41 in the 150m. 

Whereas, Fred Kerley earlier this month walked out of the NYC Grand Prix after two false starts. He cited issues with his starting board and problems with the race’s management as to why he did so. However, he did finish third in the USA Olympics trials at a time of 9.88s. As part of his preparation, he changed coaches from Alleyne Francique to 1992 Olympic 400m gold medallist Quincy Watts.

He wrote about it on Instagram saying, “Choosing to make changes is always risky, even riskier during a year like the Olympics. I felt that I needed to bet on myself. I needed to prove to myself that I was all in and that meant seeking the guidance of Coach Watts.” This year they’re not only competing for Olympic Glory but also for $50,000 per gold medal from the USATF.