Its track titans Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman’s hoardings all over the USA. The teammates, also the greatest adversaries, were positioned beside each other in the 60m dash at the USATF Indoors. Whom the entire world couldn’t beat in his comfort area, faced a blow from a year younger Lyles.

Clocking in at 6.43s, the 26-year-old won the gold, but couldn’t match up to Coleman’s 6.34s WR. After both of them ran their races and performed their best, they didn’t stop getting papped by reporters hoping for a probable ‘rematch’. Now, as the World Athletics Indoor Championships looms, let’s take a look at what the reigning 200m champ had to say about his fellow first bencher.

Noah Lyles doffs his hat to his worthy adversary/compatriot

After the match, which left fans adrenaline fatigued, Lyles went candid in a post-race interview. FloTrack’s YouTube episode named “Noah Lyles’ Start Felt Like A ’10’ In 6.43 Men’s 60m Win At USATF Indoor Championships 2024” saw him talk about rival Christian Coleman and his greatness. When asked, “How were you feeling about your performance today?”, the 26-year-old didn’t shy away from spilling the truth. He said, “I’m beyond excited, I mean it’s one of the thing to run fast. But it’s another thing to run fast with the greatest in the world”. Every part of the sentence sent a wave of emotions.

Christian Coleman, the name that speaks for itself, has the 60m Indoor world record under his belt. Taking pride in a time of 6.34s, he hasn’t yet had someone to challenge it. Having been ranked world’s number one in 100m for three consecutive years(2017, 2018, 2019), there was a time when he was placed alongside the track great Usain Bolt. But in Noah Lyles’ case, his rise to fame came after years of waiting.

Watch this story: 2x World Champion Christian Coleman Storms Off to Best Timing of the Year in 200m

Lyles penned a heartfelt note

The threepeater, who can also be called an epitome of indomitable strength, shed tears after his USATF win. For an athlete, if years of hankering culminate in a gold, nothing beats that. Resorting to his X handle, he posted, “I have waited and worked for 8 years to see the numbers I have produced this year in the 60m. I’m so glad it’s finally here.”

Though participation holds more importance, an athlete who has tasted peak success craves numbers naturally. In the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next month, will Lyles and Coleman lock horns again? Besides 100m and 200m, is the former after Coleman’s 60m record now? Let’s wait.

READ MORE: Who Is Noah Lyles’ Biggest Rival? Inside His Fierce Rivalries With Erriyon Knighton and Christian Coleman