After constantly talking a big game, many looked forward to Noah Lyles‘ dominance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Even though he had a slow start in the 100m, the world couldn’t forget the iconic photo finish even if they tried. However, the sprinter couldn’t redeem himself and had to settle for a third-place finish in the 200m event—an event he dominated for quite some time now. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old has decided to draw the curtains on his season and take some much-needed time off. 

For someone who’s quite vocal, he hasn’t opened up about what many should look forward to. Fans have been scratching their heads, speculating his next move. However, Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green seem to have chimed in. On a September 13 episode of their podcast ‘Ready Set Go’, they discuss whether things would be different with his contention in the Diamond League. “It wouldn’t be a restful season after the Olympics. He’s going to have to run even harder after post-championships.” However, what’s there on the new season for the 27-year-old?

The retired American sprinter stated, “Noah right now has so much to choose from going into 2025.” Gatlin reiterated how the defending 100m champion backed up that title by clinching the Olympic gold in 9.79 seconds in the finals at Stade de France. “He’s also the world champion at 200 meters. He’s ran 19.30. What do you do now, right?” With the 2025 World Championships set to take place next year from September 13 to 21, he weighed Noah Lyles’ options. “Do you defend your 200-meter title? Do you defend your 100-meter title? Do you try to defend both?” While he doesn’t know what the Olympian thinks, he has a personal preference. 

Gatlin stated, “I would love to see him continue that path of what 19.30 and beyond looks like. Because then that is where the competition is. That is where the excitement is.” The sprinter had won his second world title at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon. He even set a new PB of 19.31 seconds. However, in the 200m finals at the French capital, the sprinter’s 19.70 seconds were nowhere near his PB. But after his Olympic stint was cut short, the sprinter hasn’t hit the tracks to redeem himself. 

However, the former American sprinter believes Noah Lyles should focus on what many believe is his true event. “You got guys who running 19.4s. Now you can come up, step back up to the plate of the 200 and go out there and focus on that.” Gatlin believes he’s already proven people wrong by becoming the 100m Olympic champion. But now that the Olympics are behind us, he wants some answers. “2025. I need to know. We need to know what the answer is man. Where we gonna see Noah at?” He surely is asking the right questions. 

The path forward for Noah Lyles

After the Paris Summer Games, many Olympians decided to contest in the Diamond League next. The 27-year-old’s compatriots Kenny Bednarek, Fred Kerley, and even his rival Letsile Tebogo have continued to make a splash on the tracks. But many fans hoped the sprinter would show up at the meets. Much to their dismay, he was spotted enjoying his time off the tracks at the NYFW and the US Open back in the States.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 200m Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 08, 2024. Noah Lyles of United States reacts after winning bronze before receiving medical attention REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachSpotted at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, he watched the nail-biting US Open finale. When asked if he would contest in any upcoming meets this season, the sprinter chimed in. “No, no, no. I ended my season. You know, we just decided that after the COVID situation, we were just going to call it there.” Staying true to his words, it doesn’t seem like the 27-year-old is returning to the tracks soon. Do you agree with Gatlin and Green?