Noah Lyles Fires Up US-Jamaican Rivalry Ahead of Paris Olympics Clash: “I Know Your Weaknesses”

With Noah Lyles‘ current confidence and winning streak, defeating him seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Oblique Seville of Jamaica had that chance! Oblique Seville seized the opportunity at the Racers Grand Prix in early June when the 23-year-old Jamaican sprint sensation clocked an astonishing 9.82 seconds in the men’s 100m, while Lyles ran 9.85 seconds.

This performance posed Seville as the toughest competition for Lyles in Paris. Meanwhile, Noah Lyles has already secured his spot for the Paris Olympics, while Seville has to go through the Jamaican trials starting on June 27th. But before that, Lyles recently dropped a truth bomb that has everyone buzzing about Oblique Seville ahead of Paris.

When Darrell Hill asked Noah Lyles about his thoughts on the competition in Paris with Seville, Noah Lyles responded with a mix of bravado and insight, “I like the questions. I’m not ready for you.” Lyles’ confidence was evident as he acknowledged the challenge ahead, showing his readiness to face it head-on.

Darrell questioned, “We’re gonna tawlk **** behind me, so I know you guys wanna come up. We’re gonna talk about the other. What’s that, alright? 100 meters, we’ve conquered the US, but I know you said it today, and I know who you are. So, I know we got bigger fish to fry, bigger thoughts on the world. You’ve lost one race this year, one race at the Grand Prix to Oblique Seville. I got one question for you, alright? We go to Paris, which color medal will you bring?” This question highlighted the competitive atmosphere and the pressure on Lyles to perform at the highest level, especially against a formidable opponent like Seville.

Noah Lyles replied confidently, “It’s gold. They’re all gonna be gold. I’ll tell you why, though. I study my competitors. I knew that man was gonna be ready for that race. Don’t get me wrong, I was ready, but he was obviously more ready on that day. But I tell you what, there’s a difference from running in Jamaica to running at the Olympics. I’ve seen how you handle your rounds. I study my competitors. I know your weaknesses. I know what your strengths are. I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready.”

Lyles’ response showcased his analytical approach to competition, his respect for his competitors, and his belief in his ability to secure victory on the world stage. But if both were to face off in Paris, considering their track records, who do you think would emerge victorious?

Will Noah Lyles shine in Paris by outpacing Oblique?

Oblique Seville has been hailed as Jamaica’s potential successor since Bolt’s retirement in 2017. Seville finished fourth in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics and in the 100m at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. His personal bests include 9.82 seconds in the 100m and 20.17 seconds in the 200m which was made this season only.

Meanwhile, Noah Lyles secured titles in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. He is widely considered a frontrunner for the Paris Olympics, having accumulated six world titles overall. Lyles’ personal bests stand at 9.83 seconds in the 100m and 19.31 seconds in the 200m, with season bests of 9.80 seconds and 19.77 seconds.

His consistent performance includes two silver medals at the 2024 World Indoor Championships and five Diamond League titles, where he claimed gold in both the 100m and 200m events in 2019. Now, considering their current form, who do you think will prevail in Paris? Share your thoughts below and let us know!