“Stop Crying”: Noah Lyles’ Bold Paris Olympics Threat to Jamaican Rival Divides Track and Field Community

The Racers Grand Prix 2024 results have indeed fueled a fuming rivalry! With Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville’s timing subduing Noah Lyles‘ 9.85, the latter’s ambitions to be the ‘world’s fastest man in 100m’ seem to have temporarily plummeted. Moreover, Seville’s ice-cold stare at Lyles as he raced through the finishing line 0.03 seconds earlier, further fanned the flames. But more than anything, it triggered a chain reaction- first from Lyles and then the fans.

Seville’s style of poking fun at Lyles definitely did not settle well with the six-time world champion. Consequently, taking to his official X handle after the run, Lyles made his sentiment crystal clear. “Oh yah… I’ll remember this! See you in Paris @ObliqueSeville,” wrote the American, setting the stage for a fierce clash against his newest rival at the Paris Olympics. Further, an integrated image displaying both actions was uploaded by NBS Sports Director- Social Media, Travis Miller.

Lyles’ online reaction was straightforward but seemed a detour from his post-run remarks. In the interview succeeding the run, he mentioned that he was ‘satisfied with the performance,’ instead, was ‘disappointed in the gunmen.‘ With this statement, he accentuated how many contenders ‘weren’t even set before the gun went off.’ However, Lyles’ virtual response did not address any such issue and was a sole challenge directed at Seville. Also, far from ‘satisfaction,’ it made Lyles’ disappointment from his loss evident.

Regardless, as the track and field community witnessed this thorny matter unfold, they could barely be silent. Reacting to Travis Miller’s X post, many fans opined on the issue. While some thought defended Lyles, others remained divisive on the subject.

The Seville-Noah Lyles friction has stirred the track and field world

Like in most sports clashes, fans were quick to pick sides this time too. It is obvious that they wanted to support their favorites. However, in defense, they surfaced a few interesting takes.

One of the fans recalled, “He did the same to Erriyon Knighton but doesn’t like it when he gets it back.” They seemingly pointed out that Lyles had also pulled off similar celebratory actions against his contenders in the past. But now that he is at the receiving end, the athlete isn’t appreciating it.

Another one commented, “No fun when the rabbits got the gun haha he worked Noah out in this race.” Echoing a similar standpoint, this fan added that Lyles does not seem to be having fun, given that Seville had the upper hand in this race. And that the loss has got Lyles all worked up.

While a third fan humorously stated, “He got cooked, “ for Lyles, after Seville’s brilliant performance. 

Raising a different concern, another fan questioned, “Why does he feel the need to be antagonistic? Looking like the male version of shacarri.” The fan apparently felt that such hostility between competitors was plain unnecessary.

But the exclamation point in the comment section was when one of the fans claimed that Seville’s stare was just ‘Disrespectful.’ To this, Seville’s supporters bluntly answered, “Noah Lyles has done this and worse to his opponents. Stop crying.” 

With the Paris Olympics lined up ahead, fans are waiting to see if this rivalry intensifies or dies down. Moreover, will Lyles be able to live up to the challenge that he has thrown? Only time will tell.