If there’s one thing the 2024 Paris Olympics proved, it’s that you can’t count anyone out in track and field. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo shocked the world, and of course, Noah Lyles, by snagging gold in the men’s 200m sprint. Tebogo didn’t mince words afterward, calling Lyles “loud” and “arrogant.” It was a historic upset for Botswana, a nation of just 2.4 million. Lyles, the favorite after dominating the 100m earlier in the Games, wasn’t about to let this slide, though. The American sprint star is already eyeing revenge, and the rivalry between these two is heating up.

Lyles admitted that 2024 didn’t go as planned, despite his gold in the 100m. Losing the 200-meter championship to Tebogo was disappointing for him; however, he is focusing on making a comeback with much more swag. “

Well, Lyles has no intention of defending his Olympic title at the World Championships year; instead, he aims to dominate in 2025 and prepare for the LA 2028 Olympics. However, Paris did not favor Lyles in aspects either; a bout with COVID-19 disrupted his performance. He had to be content with a bronze in the 200 meters behind Tebogo and Kenny Bednarek. But his victory in the 100 meters was exhilarating as he narrowly outpaced Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. In 9.78 seconds, Lyles showcased his speed prowess once more, solidifying his reputation as a top sprinter.

Even with the challenges, his determination shone through, and the loss to Tebogo seems to have lit a new fire in him. With the World Athletics Finals in Tokyo scheduled for September 13, Lyles is poised to demonstrate again why he remains the top contender. Whether it’s Tebogo or anyone else lining up next to him, Lyles has made one thing clear: he’s not backing down. The frequent parallels drawn between him and Letsile Tebogo appear to have ruffled some feathers. Lyles tackled the talk head-on by delivering a blunt comment on the rivalry.

Noah Lyles breaks the silence on Letsile Tebogo: “Chasing me.”

Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo aren’t just rivals on the track; they’re two of the boldest personalities. Tebogo, fresh off his breakout success, has embraced his role as a rising star with swagger, telling fans, “If you take something from me, it should be notes.” This assurance is not just words. It is supported by his capability to perform well in challenging situations. About his journey, Tebogo added, “Against all odds, you just have to believe. I trusted in the work we put in, and I showed up with the medal.” His fearless mindset has earned him praise, even as he shrugs off detractors, including the ever-vocal Lyles.

With his distinctive style and confidence intact, Lyles praises Tebogo’s abilities without reservation, acknowledging him as a tough competitor. Despite this recognition, the current 100-meter Olympic champion shows belief in his superiority. “The day that I get scared is the day they change their form..Until I see their form turn into more of a mature professional and aggressive running style, I feel like they will be stuck in…chasing me,” he noted.

When LetsRun.com asked if Tebogo’s Olympic 200m performance surprised him, Lyles shut down the idea. “He’s been running fast for a while. If anyone’s shocked, they don’t know track and field,” Lyles said. According to him, Tebogo’s rise isn’t unexpected but a natural progression for an athlete of his caliber. While Lyles acknowledges the competition heating up, his confidence remains unshaken.