Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic 100m champion and defending world 200m titleholder, has admitted to a significant concern as he prepares for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The American sprint star, who has established himself as one of the dominant figures in global athletics, highlighted his lack of race sharpness in the 200m as the main challenge he faces going into the competition. Lyles, who has had to navigate an injury setback earlier this season, has not been able to race as much as he usually would before a major championship.
So far this year, he has competed in only four 200m races. His season began with a strong showing at the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco, followed by his appearance at the US Championships where he ran both the heats and final. He later sealed victory at the Diamond League final in Zurich, but still fell short of his usual pre-championship workload.
Typically, Lyles likes to run at least five to six 200m races before heading into a global competition. He believes that extra mileage on the track not only helps sharpen his form but also allows him to practice race strategies and refine execution under pressure.
“Well, I need 200 races before we get into Tokyo. I think this will be my fourth one for the season. Usually, I have five to six before going into a championship,” he explained in a recent interview. “You want more opportunities to map out your plan. So, if you could practice your plan more times than not, I’m going to choose more.”
Despite the concern, Lyles remains confident that his competitive spirit, experience, and explosive finishing kick will carry him through. As the defending champion in both the 100m and 200m, he knows the pressure is immense, with fans and rivals alike expecting another dominant performance.
Lyles is set to open his 200m campaign on September 17, and while his season has been disrupted, he hopes to find the rhythm he needs to push through the rounds and into the final. For him, the focus now is on maintaining momentum and executing flawlessly when it matters most, as he looks to retain his crown in one of athletics’ most prestigious events.
