As the battle for 200m supremacy rages on, a fierce rivalry is brewing between two of the world’s fastest men. On one side stands Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion, and on the other, Letsile Tebogo, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist. However, with a series of dominant performances, it seems the Botswanan sensation is starting to tip the scales in his favor. Tebogo has been unstoppable, carrying his electric form from Stade de France into the post-Olympic circuit, making it clear that he’s on a mission to dethrone the king.

Tebogo set the stage with his blistering 19.46s African record in Paris, a gold-winning run that left Noah Lyles trailing in the bronze position. Since then, he has continued to shine, racking up 200m titles in the Diamond League, while Lyles has been noticeably absent from the track. Tebogo isn’t just holding onto the winning reins; he’s backing up his bold claims and challenging Lyles head-on.

As Tebogo chases the crown of the 200m master, the athletic world watches with bated breath. His relentless drive and unparalleled speed are setting a new standard, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether Lyles will rise to the challenge or if the torch has already been passed.

Tebogo’s opinion about Noah Lyles hasn’t changed

After Lausanne and Silesia, the Diamond League pitstop has now reached Rome, scheduled for August 30. And in a pre-event press conference on the 29th, Tebogo yet again opined on Noah Lyles being the face of athletics. This time, he dialed it down a notch but still adhered to his stance. The 21-year-old acknowledged the American’s contribution saying, “Even today, as though not the face of athletics, saw Rai’s interview, he said that Noah changed the sport, which I believe he did.” 

Comparing the same with his own feats, Tebogo continued, “I haven’t changed anything. I just came in and won the gold medal. That’s all that I did, but he [Lyles] has been there and consistent throughout the years. So I think after being consistent also I would say I could be the face of athletics. But when u talk, you’d say no he won Africa’s first gold medal but in reality, we know if there’s somebody who could be there, it’s still Noah.” Thus, despite admitting that Noah Lyles is the face of athletics currently, Tebogo did not miss out on placing himself in that league in the future, given that he remains consistent.

This still comes across as a much-softened version of what Tebogo had put forth right after the 200m finals in Paris. After beating Lyles to the finish, he fired off, “I think for me, I can’t be the face of athletics because I’m not an arrogant or a loud person like Noah. So I believe Noah is the face of athletics.” Although Tebogo’s words imply that he still agrees that Lyles is in the leading light, he cited his athletic consistency and experience to justify that today.

Letsile Tebogo continues to drag Lyles in the drama

Notably, Tebogo does not shy away from repeatedly bringing up Noah Lyles in his remarks. Not wanting to be part of Usain Bolt’s world record-eyeing clan, he had stated back in May, “Take me out. I don’t want that pressure on myself….Let Lyles speak about that.” While clarifying that he was going to steer clear of the WR chase due to the added pressure, he cited Lyles’ bold claims in this regard.

But, this did not last long. Only a few months from that and Tebogi has already switched to the other side. After his 19.64 seconds win at Lausanne, he said, “I don’t think it will take me long to break the 200m World Record, it’s about 10 meters away from me!” And now, in a humble manner, he agrees with Noah Lyles’ stature. What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us!

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