Noah Lyles has found himself under intense scrutiny following bold comments made after his 100m heat at the 2025 USATF National Championships. The reigning world champion raised eyebrows when he confidently declared his intention to become the first athlete to win back-to-back 100m World Championship titles, an Olympic gold, and another World Championship title all within a two-year span.
While Lyles comfortably topped the 100m standings in the opening round, he surprised fans by withdrawing from the semi-finals and finals to concentrate solely on the 200m dash, where he is the defending national champion. His decision, coupled with his ambitious claim, triggered a wave of criticism on social media.
Track and field enthusiasts quickly pushed back on Lyles’ historical accuracy, pointing to the achievements of Maurice Greene, who captured World Championship golds in 1999 and 2001 and an Olympic title in 2000. Many saw Lyles’ comments as either forgetful or dismissive of past greats, sparking heated debate online.
One fan highlighted Greene’s record while others took a more sarcastic approach, suggesting Lyles should focus less on making declarations and more on the stiff competition ahead including Kenny Bednarek, Letsile Tebogo, and sprinters from Jamaica who pose serious threats to his dominance.
Beyond historical corrections, fans also questioned Lyles’ current form, noting that he has yet to break the 10-second barrier this season in the 100m. With the World Championships looming in just two months, concerns are mounting about whether his ambitions align with his present performance level.
Despite the backlash, Lyles remains focused on defending his 200m title. He affirmed his commitment to the race, vowing not to give up his crown without a fight. “I earned that title, and somebody needs to take it from me if they want it,” he said recently.
All eyes now shift to the 200m event on August 3, where Lyles will aim to silence critics and reinforce his status as one of the sport’s elite. With formidable challengers waiting in the wings, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown that could either cement or unravel his championship ambitions.
