“Noah Lyles Just Crying”: Letsile Tebogo Fans Mock Track and Field Rival Following Major Defeat

In the world of track and field, rivalries are often what drive the excitement, and one that stood out this year was the intense competition between Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo. Both athletes were in exceptional form, and when they faced off in Paris, fans were treated to two distinct performances that showcased their unique styles and strengths.

With the sport currently in its off-season and no official races taking place, fans are eagerly awaiting the 2025 season. However, in a surprising turn of events, Tebogo recently claimed the title of Male Track Athlete of the Year, edging out Lyles for the honor. For many, this was an unexpected result, but it’s a testament to Tebogo’s dedication and the hard work he’s put in over the past year. His outstanding performances have rightfully earned him recognition.

Defeating a fan-favorite Noah Lyles

Heading into the 2024 season, Noah Lyles was a double world champion, having claimed two titles at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest—one in the 100m and another in the 200m. Sitting atop the sprinting world, Lyles seemed to have no real challenger on the horizon. However, many in the track community were still hoping for a rising star to step up and challenge his dominance. Enter 21-year-old Letsile Tebogo, who made headlines throughout the early season with his exceptional performances.

Tebogo’s rise in the track world was nothing short of remarkable. He secured two world-leading times in the 200m and 400m and set a world record in the 300m, a race not commonly featured in official events. This achievement set a new benchmark for the young Botswanan sprinter, signaling that he was ready to make a serious impact on the global stage.

As the Paris Olympics approached, Tebogo was poised to face off against the fan-favorite Lyles. In the months leading up to the games, Lyles made bold promises, stating that he would break Usain Bolt’s longstanding world records. The track world buzzed with anticipation, eager to see if the 27-year-old American could deliver on his ambitious goals.

While things didn’t go exactly as planned for Lyles in his bid to break Bolt’s records, he still managed to secure his first Olympic gold medal in the men’s 100m final. In a nail-biting finish, Lyles edged out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by a mere 0.005 seconds. On the other hand, Tebogo had a more challenging race in the 100m, but he came into his own in the 200m.

Running a dominant race in the men’s 200m final, Tebogo cruised to victory with a commanding performance that left no doubt about his talent. His impressive win marked his first Olympic gold, solidifying his place as one of the rising stars of the sport. While Lyles was dealing with the lingering effects of COVID-19 during the 200m final, Tebogo’s victory was undeniably impressive. With both athletes securing career-first Olympic golds, it’s clear that the rivalry between Lyles and Tebogo is just beginning, and the 2025 season promises even more thrilling showdowns.

While Noah Lyles took a break after the Paris Olympics, Letsile Tebogo continued to push forward with his track career, capping off an eventful year by reaching the Diamond League Finals in Brussels. Though he didn’t clinch the Diamond League title, it was still a highly successful season for the 21-year-old sprinter. His achievements, including setting world records and securing Olympic gold, played a significant role in being awarded the Male Track Athlete of the Year.

But Tebogo’s year wasn’t just filled with triumphs on the track; it also came with personal heartbreak, as he tragically lost his mother. Despite the emotional weight, Tebogo carried on with his track endeavors, honoring her memory with his incredible performances. His victory at the Paris Olympics, particularly his dominant 200m gold, was a moment of national pride for Botswana, and the social media reactions poured in, with fans worldwide celebrating his remarkable accomplishments.

Big celebrations for the kid from Botswana

Letsile Tebogo’s historic Olympic victory put Botswana firmly on the map, marking the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in track and field. Fans around the world quickly took notice of his remarkable feat, showering him with praise and admiration for his dedication and perseverance. As one fan put it, “This is definitely deserved, this guy dedicated himself a lot to get where he is. Only he knows the effort he put in to get there!!”

Tebogo’s journey was not without its hardships. He experienced profound personal loss, with the passing of his mother, Seritawa Tebogo, on May 18 at the age of 43 after battling breast cancer. Many feared that this heartbreaking event would derail his season, but Tebogo proved his resilience in a way that stunned the track and field world. Despite the grief, he roared to victory in Paris, securing his 200m Olympic gold medal in a dominant display. This win was not just for him, but for his mother, who had always supported him and dreamed of seeing him at the top of his sport.

Social media exploded with congratulatory messages, many fans acknowledging the immense emotional weight Tebogo carried. “He lost his mum and won his nation’s first Olympic gold in his event. I’m happy he got his flowers” one fan shared, highlighting the emotional depth behind his triumph. Another fan wrote, “Keep going Letsile!!!” expressing their hope for his continued success.

While fans celebrated Tebogo’s victory, some couldn’t resist taking jabs at his rival, Noah Lyles. Lyles, a favorite to win the 200m, came up short in the final, and social media quickly lit up with playful taunts. “Noah Lyles just crying,” one fan posted, while another gleefully declared, “MY KINGGGGGGG!!! The Noah Lyles Destroyerrrrrrrrrr.” Others, too, expressed their excitement with comments like, “I’m super happy for him… what Noah Lyles, what!!!”

Since their showdown in Budapest, Lyles and Tebogo have not met again in competition, but Paris was a clear reminder of how tightly their fates are intertwined. Both athletes earned their Olympic gold medals on their merit, and their rivalry is far from over. As the 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling sprinting saga. Who do you think will come out on top in the near future? Let us in the comment section below!