Track and field enthusiasts have enjoyed a healthy dose of some of the best USA vs Jamaica rivalries in the past. But Noah Lyles‘ recent comments about Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson has taken this iconic rivalry to new heights. The reigning world champion is looking to turn his Olympic bronze to a shiny Olympic gold at the French capital. And his stellar performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials mimicked that in the 100m with his impressive time of 9.83 seconds. But Thompson might prove to be a thorn to his side with his new personal best of 9.82 seconds in the 100m heats at the Jamaican Olympic Trials.

In a 15th July podcast episode of Track World News, Lyles expressed what went down after the National Champion’s performance at the Trials. “And when in the interview they said how fast he ran, I said I hope he stays injured because I know he’s had a hard history with injuries.” Colin Waitzman and Noah Williams touched upon how things were in the Jamaican camp. While he did state that his rivalry with the Jamaican athletes is strictly on-track only, many fans weren’t too pleased with what Noah Lyles said about Thompson. 

Noah Lyles’ Freudian slip about his track rival

Lyles was a guest on the Track World News podcast and expressed how he’s privy what has been happening in the Jamaican camp for a while. When Kishane Thompson first made his professional debut, the 6x World Champion had a slight inclination of his whole career trajectory. So, when the 23-year-old blew everyone away with his performance at the Jamaican Trials, Lyles wasn’t surprised in the slightest. “I know he’s had a hard history with injuries and that every time he runs fast he usually has to be taken off, because he’s usually hurt,” he told Waitzman and Williams.

However, he did state that it was great to see him perform as well. “So, the fact that he could keep going it’s like “oh this is great you know he’s actually able to show his full potential.” Thompson effortlessly punched his ticket with an impressive time of 9.77 seconds in the 100m finals at the National Stadium in Kingston. What makes it even better? The Trials were his first competition of the season! Looks like the sprint for an Olympic gold is going to be a thrilling affair. 

While Lyles’ comment might have mildly put a few people off, he certainly meant well. “To be honest, at the end of the day it’s just rivalry, and I expect the rivalry to be hot, you know?” Many fans and athletes alike have enjoyed the rivalry between both nations. “Just like US is going to cheer for me, I expect the Jamaicans to you know, cheer for their people. It’s rivalry.” The Olympic bronze medalist has a very monochrome view of it, emphasizing how off the track he doesn’t carry the same energy. 

Despite the World Championships silver medalist’s honest take on how he views the Jamaican camp, fans couldn’t move past his slip up and promptly decided to call him out on it. While the athlete wouldn’t have expected it, he did know that they’d fiercely back their athletes up. However, despite stating that he expects the US to support him at the upcoming Summer Games, Lyles expressed how he’s observed quite the opposite.

Stade de France is the ideal stage for a rousing battle

Noah Lyles pointed out the disparity many American fans have showcased on the podcast. He confesses how some of the comments have left him in utter disbelief. In just 8 days, the Olympic bronze medalist will be preparing to represent his nation in the French capital. However, the mixed response to his appearance on Netflix’s SPRINT has not added a confidence boost like he expected. While he dominated the track at the World Championships in Budapest, several fans have stated how Lyles is no match for his Jamaican counterparts.

The last time fans were captivated by a thrilling USA vs Jamaica rivalry was between sprinting legend Usain Bolt and 4x world champion Justin Gatlin. Their intense on-track rivalry remains unmatched. At the 2012 London Olympics, fans witnessed the fastest 100m final of all time. However, Bolt clinched an effortless victory with 9.63 seconds. Yohan Blake and Justin Gatlin completed the podium with 9.75 seconds and 9.79 seconds, respectively.

But it was the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, that truly showed how heated the two could get. Despite facing a few injury issues before the games, Bolt had issued a warning to Gatlin. “The more you talk, the more I will want to beat you,” and that’s exactly what he did! Usain Bolt sprinted past the finish line with 9.81 seconds on the clock. Gatlin trailed behind him in the second place with 9.89 seconds. However, off the track, they have always been on good terms. Bolt even congratulated him after clinching a silver at Rio.

But that was then! As we inch closer to the 2024 Paris Olympics, prepare to be blown away by what could be a 100m final a cut above the rest. Noah Lyles doesn’t want to just win medals, he wants to leave a legacy just like Usain Bolt did. But Kishane Thompson is looking to leave a indelible mark at Stade de France. He wants to put Jamaica back on the podium like the good old days. Who will walk away victorious? We will soon find out. So mark your calendars, you wouldn’t want to miss this!