Botswana’s sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo has hailed rival Noah Lyles for showing humility this season, even as their fierce rivalry continues to electrify the track. The pair produced another thrilling duel in the men’s 200m at the Diamond League Final in Zurich, with Lyles edging Tebogo by just centimeters.
Lyles, trailing early in the race, powered through the final stretch to clock 19.74 seconds, narrowly ahead of Tebogo’s 19.76. The Olympic 200m champion admitted he was disappointed by the slim defeat but insisted the performance was added motivation as he prepares for the World Championships in Tokyo.
“This is not my true potential right now. There is still more in the tank that people need to see,” Tebogo said. “From now until the last day of the 200m final, I have to give it my all.”
Tebogo: Lyles is More Humble Now
Reflecting on his rival’s demeanor, Tebogo noted that Lyles has shown a different attitude since losing to him at the Paris Olympics earlier in the summer. Known for his outspoken confidence, Lyles appears to have toned down his talk in recent months.
“I think now Lyles is humble. He knows what can happen in this sport today you win, tomorrow you lose,” Tebogo explained. “For me, I let my legs do the talking. Since Paris, he has been calm and not talking so much.”
Rivalry Built on Respect
Lyles, the reigning world champion in both the 100m and 200m, has faced setbacks this year, including groin inflammation, but bounced back strongly to claim his sixth Diamond League crown. His time in Zurich, though shy of his 2022 meeting record of 19.52, was still among the top five 200m performances of the year and marked his 19th career Diamond League win over the distance.
Tebogo, just 21 years old, has established himself as the sport’s rising star. Despite back-to-back defeats in Diamond League finals last year to Kenny Bednarek in Brussels and now to Lyles in Zurich the Botswanan remains undeterred.
“We are equally balanced at the moment,” he said. “For sure, I am going to double in Tokyo. I just want to let it all out.”
As both athletes prepare for the World Championships, their rivalry continues to inspire fans and redefine the men’s 200m.
