Noah Lyles’s Herculean task before the 2024 big season begins is set in stone. The double champion relishes the attention as the US track and field headliner carrying the team torch in international events. However, his hot run is still susceptible to challenges from fellow compadres. To prevent his empire from crumbling down, Lyles must first address one weak spot on the otherwise fortified walls of his castle.

This weakness was leveraged by his track and field peer, Christian Coleman, during the Millrose Games in New York City. Noah Lyles watched from the sidelines as Coleman won the accolade of home-grown fans with his baton in hand.

Christian Coleman’s triumph amidst Noah Lyles’ disappointment

As the off-season wraps up in the welcoming embrace of the upcoming season, USATF stoked the embers of rivalry between Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman. While the duo are amicable in the public sphere, there lies an undercurrent of competition between them. USATF incited this rivalry once more with an Instagram video of the moment Coleman leapfrogged onto the podium while Noah Lyles sat on the bleachers with a dejected face. They captioned the video, “LET. HIM. COOK. Throwing it back to the Christian Coleman’s 6.47 to win the UCS Men’s 60 at Millrose We’re wrapping up 2023 by reliving some of our biggest moments on social media. Join us on our #RoadToParis as we continue our #JourneyToGold in 2024!”

Instead of focusing their attention on Noah Lyles, the edited video captured Christian Coleman in praiseworthy frames of victory moments. Running in parallel lanes, Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman were neck-and-neck, until Coleman zapped past the wire with a finger on his lips. Both sprinting legends briefly hugged it out, but Noah Lyles’ foible was on full display.

Noah Lyles’ Achilles heels exposed

Noah Lyles had a false start in the 60 m race and was promptly disqualified from consideration for the silver medal. Lyles tried to make light of the circumstances, saying, “Everybody knows I’m just here to play around. I’m not a 60-meter runner”. However, with the Paris Olympics 2024 advancing at the speed of light, Lyles had to face the harrowing reality.

Read More: Noah Lyles’ Trainer Draws Masterplan To Break Usain Bolt’s Long-Standing 100m Record

Lyles’ weakness lies in his starts, which have prevented him from delivering the record-breaking performance of his athletic journey. To explore his prospects of winning the Olympic gold and breaking Usain Bolt’s 100 m record, Lyles must rectify his starting technique. With the recent addition of a biomechanic to his training crew, Noah Lyles has sent a clear message about his 2024 goals.

Watch this story: Most Decorated Olympic Athlete Who Broke Usain Bolt’s Record Goes Down Memory Lane of Her Glorious Career