lyles Eyes 200m Gold, Declares ‘I Don’t Plan to Lose’ at World Championships
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Noah Lyles enters his signature event, the 200-meter final, at the World Athletics Championships aiming to reclaim gold and reaffirm his dominance. Lyles, who secured bronze in the 100-meter final, considers the 200m his “wife” and the 100m his “mistress,” signaling a focused determination for victory.
Lyles is coming off a year where he was afflicted with COVID during the Olympics, a race ultimately won by his competitor, Tebogo. Tebogo, after his Olympic victory in 19.46 – a time faster than lyles has run since clocking 19.31 in 2022 to beat Michael Johnson’s 26-year-old American record – initially stated he didn’t see himself as a front face for track and field, citing his personality as not “arrogant or loud like Noah.” He later clarified their amiable relationship off the track,emphasizing a professional rivalry on the track: “when you get onto the track,it’s all about business.” Tebogo prefers to “let my legs do the talking.”
Both Lyles and Tebogo were also involved in the 100-meter final, where Lyles took bronze. Tebogo was disqualified after a false start, potentially impacting his performance in the 200m. Fellow American Kenneth Bednarek finished fourth in the 100m.
Despite a late start to training this year due to a foot injury, Lyles remains confident. When asked if he would trade a 100m medal for a 200m world record, Lyles responded, “I think I might take the 2,” a sentiment partially realized with his 100m bronze.
While acknowledging Usain Bolt’s 19.19 world record is a formidable target, Lyles expressed his enthusiasm: “There’s a lot of excitement going on in the 200. Obviously, I have the energy. Obviously,I have the motivation. I plan to go out there in full force and jump off the cliff, so to say, with all the enthusiasm in this race.” He also noted a ancient trend: “Usually when I have my best 200 years, my hundreds aren’t as fast.” Lyles has three prior world titles in the 200m, though Bednarek reminded observers of Lyles’ bronze medals from the last two Olympics.