It took 10.11 seconds to put aside a bagful of criticism that had been hurled at him despite earning the national relay team, the coveted Paris Olympics team. Yes, Noah Lyles’ relay team partner in Stars and Stripes, Kyree King, is the new 100m champion in the USATF LA Grand Prix. In earning the top podium, the American sprinter has defeated Letsile Tebogo, the Botswana track and field sprinter, touted as the favorite for the Paris Olympics. However today Tebogo remained 0.02 seconds behind Kyree King to the finishing line. But a few days ago, things were different. 

Despite finishing the 4x100m relay race in record time in the World Relay Race in the Bahamas, several fans hounded Kyree King, terming him the loose end in the squad. Rather, the fans raised their voices to include Christian Coleman or Erriyon Knighton, replacing the new track and field champion from Drake Stadium.

Coleman holds a better timing in the 100m compared to Kyree King, surely. But Erriyon Knighton is nowhere close to the 29-year-old sprinter’s 100m best outing. Furthermore, the 200m wunderkind’s best 100m attempt rolls nearing Kyree King’s today’s performance. 

Even so, the rage erupted, keeping Kyree King at the receiving end. However, now, the sprinter may heave a sigh of relief after registering such a showdown. Today, his emotions and post-victory statements have unfurled some unseen moments of the humble sprinter. After landing the victory against one of the Paris Olympics hopefuls, Kyree dedicated his victory to his late grandfather, who was his motivation in track and field. However, today’s performance can be Kyree King’s reply to all the negligence he has been receiving in the track and field apart from the public ire. A few days ago, he had expressed one such mistreatment. 

Let performance be the answer to track and field questions 

A few days back, track and field rallied behind Kyree King on his payment issue with the US track and field authority. Reportedly, the sprinter had been adjusted to receive an amount from the authority for his extraordinary achievement in the 100m race in Stadio Colbachini, back in 2023. However, coming to April 2024, the relay sprinter did not receive the due payment. With adding the market value, the amount stood at $1489. But he found no solace. 

So, feeling frustration, Kyree King loathed the authorities for all the reasons and penned several lines on his social media. “Eight months for 2 bands… not weeks but 8 f*****g months…” remained his outburst at the situation. But Kyree received the track and field community beside him, supporting his rage and plea. Now again, the sprinter has posted a memorable performance on the track against names like Letsile Tebogo and Aaron Brown. But will it cement his name in the American relay team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, or will it send a message to the ones who have thoroughly ignored him at every point? What do you think? Comment below.