Olympic 200m champ Letsile Tebogo isn’t convinced that Noah Lyles deserves to be called the “Face of Athletics” just yet. Even after Tebogo made history by becoming Botswana’s first Olympic gold medalist in Paris, where he beat Lyles, he still thinks Noah Lyles hasn’t done anything spectacular enough to earn that title. Even though Lyles won the 100m race in the Paris Olympics.

“Even today, I’m still not the face of athletics,” Tebogo said at the Rome Diamond League press conference. “I saw Rai’s (Benjamin) interview where he said Noah changed the sport, which I believe he did. I haven’t changed anything—I just came in and won the gold medal.” Tebogo’s stance isn’t surprising, given that Lyles is a six-time world champion and three-time Olympic medalist. Lyles has dominated the 200m scene since 2022 and made a bold statement by winning the world 100m title in Budapest and adding Olympic gold in Paris.

Tebogo acknowledged Lyles’ consistency, saying, “He has been there and consistent throughout the years, so I think after being consistent also, I can say I can be the face of athletics.” However, he added, “But when you talk, you’ll say he won Africa’s first gold medal, but in reality, we know if there’s somebody who could be there, it’s still Noah.” Lyles’ outspoken personality has drawn more attention to track and field over the past year, even if it has sometimes cast him as a villain, yet he continues to deliver when it counts the most.

Even though Tebogo made a smooth leap from junior to senior level in Budapest, becoming the first African to win a silver medal in the men’s 100m at the World Championships, his standout performance in Paris boosted his reputation as a serious contender to challenge Lyles’ dominance. This sets up an exciting rivalry for the years ahead. Since then, Tebogo has been on a roll, winning the 200m at two post-Olympic Diamond League events in Lausanne and Silesia, while Lyles has already wrapped up his 2024 season. As soon as this video surfaced, fans quickly shared their thoughts.

Fans back Tebogo, question Noah Lyles – The plot thickens

One fan playfully remarked, “Can’t tell if he’s trolling Noah or just being humble,” capturing the intrigue surrounding Letsile Tebogo’s recent comments about Noah Lyles. Tebogo, who recently outpaced Lyles in the 200-meter event at the Olympics, hasn’t shied away from expressing his thoughts on the American runner, and this latest incident has only fueled the fire.

When asked if he aspired to be the face of track and field like the outspoken Lyles, Tebogo didn’t hold back. “For me, I can’t be the face of athletics because I’m not an arrogant or loud person like Noah,” he said. “So, I believe Noah’s the face of athletics.” It’s clear their rivalry runs deep, and Tebogo isn’t afraid to stoke the flames.

Echoing the rivalry, another fan added, “Man pressing gas on Noah all the way. Love it ❤️.” Yet, another fan posed a more critical question: “Nobody’s been able to answer the main question when they say this lmao. Which is ‘how’.(On How Noah Changed the Sport).” Indeed, Noah Lyles is making waves with his blistering speed and larger-than-life personality, aiming not just for gold but for the records held by Usain Bolt in the 100-meter and 200-meter events. Unfortunately, Lyles revealed he tested positive for COVID-19 during the 200m race, hampering his performance in Paris.

Despite setbacks, Lyles isn’t one to stay quiet. He’s known for his bold statements, whether he’s challenging NBA players who call themselves world champions or advocating for more attention to track and field. His high-profile appearances and a major Adidas deal are all part of his strategy to elevate the sport’s profile, even as he battles the challenges of limited media coverage. Lyles’ charisma is undeniably injecting some much-needed energy into the track and field world.

Fans are taking sides in this brewing rivalry. One enthusiast commented, “Letsile Tebogo is gonna be a problem, and I love it,” while another took a swipe at Lyles, saying, “He’s all bark and no bite. A pure chest pounder.” It seems the tide may be turning, with many rallying behind Tebogo and questioning Lyles’ dominance. The track world is watching closely as this battle for supremacy heats up, with every comment and race adding another layer to their intense rivalry.