Noah Lyles Settles 3-Year-Old Feud With Fred Kerley With Revenge for Paris Olympics 2024

At the start of the 2023 World Championships, Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley set the stage with some fiery smack talk, each staking claim to the title. “I’m Fred Kerley, this is my title,” boasted the reigning 2022 World Champion. “If Noah’s going to run 9.65, then I’m running faster.” Across the table, Noah Lyles leaned in, cool and confident. “That’s what they all say ’til they get beat,” he shot back. And beat them, he did. Last year, Noah Lyles snatched the 2023 World Title from Kerley’s grasp, and here he is again, this time eyeing Olympic revenge.

Three years ago, Noah Lyles stood disappointed, finishing seventh and watching his Olympic dreams slip away as others took the spotlight. But amidst the competition, including heavyweights like Trayvon Bromell (9.80), Ronnie Baker (9.85), and Fred Kerley (9.86) who went on to claim silver in Tokyo’s 100m finals, Lyles found his fire.

Fast forward to today: Noah Lyles returned to the track in Eugene at the 2024 US Olympic Trials with determination and vengeance. In a thrilling finish, he clocked a massive 9.83, earning a WORLD LEAD and a ticket to Paris. Kenny Bednarek chased close behind with a personal best of 9.87 seconds for second place, while Fred Kerley secured third with 9.88 seconds, another impressive performance. Reflecting on his journey, Lyles shared his transformation in a post-race interview: “Three years ago, I finished second to last. This year, I came back and won it.”

He shared how if it weren’t for his Tokyo Olympic bronze medal in the 200m, it would not have fueled his passion and desire to chase four Olympic gold medals in Paris this year. Pondering this epic win and their spirited rivalry, it’s clear Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley share a bond deeper than their friendly jabs.

Beyond their rivalry, Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley stand united against the Italian challenger

Amidst their banter at the 2023 World Championship, they reserved their best shade for none other than last year’s Olympic champion, Marcell Jacobs of Italy. Before Tokyo, Jacobs was a relative unknown outside Italy and remained sidelined by injuries last year, making him a topic of casual dismissal for the American sprinters. “I know what form he’s in. We’ve all seen it,” remarked Lyles when asked about Jacob’s readiness. Kerley added with a smirk, “Ain’t nobody worried about him.” This year, in 2024, Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs still hasn’t dipped under the 10-second mark in nearly two years.

Yet Jacobs recently showed a glimpse of his former glory by clocking a season-best 10.02 to win at home and defend his European Championship title. Jacobs stated, “I had three goals entering this season; to stay healthy, to defend my European title and to win at the Olympics again.” However, with Fred Kerley blazing to a 9.88 season best and Noah Lyles setting a world-leading 9.83 seconds, Jacobs faces serious competition in Paris.

Despite their rivalry, Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley were spotted sharing a post-race hug at the 2024 US Track and Field trials. This gesture underscores their mutual respect and readiness to unite as formidable teammates for Team USA as they gear up for the upcoming Paris Olympics. What are your thoughts on this duo and their dynamics? Share in the comments below!