Noah Lyles has just set a new personal best in the 100m discipline. With just under a week to go until the Paris Olympics, Lyles clocked 9.81s to win the London Diamond League in 2024. Such a performance is extremely significant after the US track star has been constantly bashed by fans for unimpressive timing. Lyles, who was in fourth place in the 2024 fastest time, is now placed in third. 

Following this win, the US track and field fans have hit back at the Jamaican fans. One of the fans on X posted, “Part of me really hopes Kishane Thompson wins the 100 at the Olympics.  Goin through my timeline it seems like If Noah wins Jamaicans are gonna be on suicide watch they holding on to that 9.77 for dear life.” The debate regarding track and field supremacy began when Noah Lyles ambitiously claimed to be clinching a gold quadruple. 

Lyles also expressed his desire to break Usain Bolt’s record at the Paris Games. However, his performance in the initial phase of 2024 was allegedly unsatisfactory. But the US Olympic trials saw Lyles come back strongly to claim the pole position. Running in the 100 and 200m events, the American clocked 9.83s and 19.53s in the finals, respectively, making a strong case for himself. And now, breaking his personal best for the first time since 2023 saw him clock 9.83, Noah Lyles has given his fans a strong reason to celebrate.

Noah Lyles’ electric performance makes fans go gaga

Noah Lyles is inching closer to the 9.77s world lead mark. The No. 1 position, which currently belongs to Jamaica’s Kishane Thomas, is looking to be under serious threat at the moment. Elated with joy, the fans flocked to the comments section to voice their support for Noah Lyles. Reflecting the confidence and trust in Lyles, one fan commented, “Kishane Thompson it’s over you”. The community seems hopeful about the fact that the sprinter will dominate in the 100-meter dash at the Paris Olympics and defeat Thompson to grab the gold.

Another fan shared a personal opinion, mentioning that Thompson, Lyles’ biggest rival, might be feeling worried or pressured after his impressive performance today. “Some where I just feel like Kishane Thompson looked like this after watching London knowing Noah was aiming for a 9.7,” enthused the fan, flaming the intense rivalry and ongoing debate about track and field supremacy between the US and Jamaican sprint stars. To make things spicier, praising Noah Lyles for being essential to the sport’s growth despite criticism, one track enthusiast wrote, “1) People can say what they want about Noah Lyles but for the sport to keep propelling, it needs him”. They further highlighted the impressive technique that displays his effortless style on track, stating, “2) Tebogo might have the smoothest technique I’ve ever seen. Doesn’t look like he’s ever strained or trying.” Their analysis and discussion highlighted the competitive atmosphere on track with the 2024 Olympics to begin in less than a week.

Reflecting on the mixed reactions, someone wrote, “I just know people hate that noah lyles is really good”. While his new personal best of 9.81s in the 100m has boosted US fans’ confidence, he has also been facing criticism due to his bold claims about breaking records and winning multiple golds, leading to divisive opinions about his abilities and achievements.

Well, with all things looking bright and shiny for Noah Lyles, it is now a question of how he will compose himself on the big stage. Can he show his character and prove his naysayers wrong in Paris? Will Noah Lyles be able to clinch his desired quadruple? Only time will tell.