“I Doubted That”: Dominant Noah Lyles Drops Unexpected ‘Record’ Scare Before Prefontaine Classic 2023

Noah Lyles put in some impeccable performances during the 2023 season. After Justin Gatlin’s triumphs at the 2005 World Athletics Championships in Helsinki, no American athlete had won a 100m and 200m double in any world championships. Noah Lyles changed that by winning both those events at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. However, he did not stop there and also secured his hat trick of gold medals by helping his country to a 4x100m men’s relay win as well. Yet, away from the shining glory, Lyles intimated at the relent that underlay his triumph at the worlds.

While the men’s 200m event is Lyles’ preferred division, he also became the 100m world champion in Budapest. But the American track star had to plan and strategize in length before his 2023 track domination could materialize. This meant he had to prioritize other things rather than just think about breaking Usain Bolt’s 2015 world record.

How did Noah Lyles dominate the 200 and 100m events?

Last year in Eugene, Noah Lyles set the third-fastest time in the men’s 200m event by clocking 19.31 seconds, which is also the American record in the division. Going into Budapest, Lyles claimed that he would be aiming to break Usain Bolt’s 2009 men’s 200m world record of 19.19 seconds. Lyles successfully defended his 200m world title crown for the third straight year by crossing the finish line in 19.52 seconds but was not able to set a new world record. However, in a recent interview, the American track sensation explained that in order for his gold medal hat trick at Budapest, he had to let go of only chasing the world record.

Lyles also stated that he was aware that he might not have a lot of energy left to chase the world record since he was participating in both the 100m and 200m disciplines. According to a GQ Sports report, Lyles said, “I never doubted that I would win the 200, but I doubted that the time would be under 19:19.” He further explained that the track world constantly debates about what’s better – winning an Olympic gold or setting a world record. However, the world champion believes that two gold medals are always better than a world record.

To emphasize his point, Lyles further explained that records are meant to be broken. Hence, every athlete should prioritize a gold medal instead of a world record. This way, the athlete’s name will be forever etched in history. Whereas nobody remembers the athlete after their record is broken. Lyles also used his latest interview to clear the air about his NBA controversy.

American track record holder opens up on his NBA controversy

After an emphatic Budapest display, Lyles had come under fire for his comments on the NBA. The American track star had criticized the NBA for referring to its winners as world champions without even playing against the top basketball teams from around the world. Multiple NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker trolled the track star. Even Canadian musician Drake threw shade at Lyles. Therefore, in the interview, the 26-year-old athlete added, “There are a bunch of funny things that come from it, like having Drake notice it. Like, Drake, what are you doing here? Go back home. This is an NBA conversation.” 

Read more: After 7 Years of Losing to Usain Bolt’s Record, Noah Lyles Posts the Perfect Finish at World Athletics Championship

Lyles maintains that he considers the NBA to be the best. However, the sports community must understand the national and international angles of the debate before picking a side. As for his next appearance, Noah Lyles will be in action once again at the 2023 Diamond League finals, scheduled for later this week in Eugene. Before taking center stage at next year’s Paris Olympics, Lyles will return to the 100m event in Eugene and face the best sprinters from around the world.

Watch this story: After Flaunting World Championship Medals, Noah Lyles Gets Back to Hustle Again Ahead of Prefontaine Diamond League