Noah Lyles, a triple world champion in the 200m, has sent a clear message to his competitors, including Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, with a bold prediction ahead of the L.A. 2028 Olympic Games. Lyles, known for his speed and confidence, has opened up about the challenges he faced in his Olympic journey, particularly in the 200m—a race he didn’t expect to be so difficult to conquer.
Reflecting on his performance at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, Lyles expressed surprise at how tough the 200m event turned out to be. Despite his dominance on the world stage, the Olympics presented a different level of competition. He admitted that winning in this event at the Olympics has been more challenging than he anticipated, but he’s determined to come back stronger in the future. Lyles has his sights set on the L.A. 2028 Olympics, where he aims to reclaim his place at the top.
In a recent interview with NBC Sports, Lyles made it clear that he’s not just content with past successes. He issued a warning to his rivals, including Letsile Tebogo, the reigning Olympic champion in the 200m, and Kenny Bednarek, the silver medalist, that he’s coming back with a vengeance. Lyles emphasized that he’s focused on improving himself and is determined to dominate the 200m race at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Lyles’ Olympic journey in Tokyo was a mixed bag of emotions. While he managed to secure a gold medal in the men’s 100m, his performance in the 200m fell short of expectations. He finished third, a position that was a disappointment for an athlete of his caliber. To make matters worse, Lyles tested positive for COVID-19, which further impacted his overall performance at the Games.
The American sprint star also experienced a setback in the men’s 4x100m relay race. Team USA, expected to be a strong contender, was disqualified due to a breach in baton exchange rules, adding to the string of disappointments for Lyles. Despite these challenges, Lyles remains undeterred and is using these experiences as motivation to fuel his preparations for the future.
As Lyles looks ahead to the L.A. 2028 Olympics, he is channeling his focus and energy into becoming an even better version of himself. His recent statements reflect a deep sense of determination and a desire to prove that he can overcome the setbacks he faced in Tokyo. With his eyes firmly set on the future, Lyles is preparing to make a strong statement on the track in Los Angeles.
In summary, Noah Lyles is gearing up for a major comeback at the L.A. 2028 Olympic Games. After a challenging Olympic experience in Tokyo, where he fell short in the 200m, Lyles is determined to reclaim his dominance in the event. He has put his rivals on notice, signaling his intent to take over in Los Angeles. With his unwavering focus and determination, Lyles is set on rewriting his Olympic story and proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
“I’d definitely say it’s unfinished business, me and this Olympic 200m. I always thought it was going to be the 100m that was going to be the hardest one for me to obtain. I never thought that I’d be 100m Olympic gold medalist before I became a 200m Olympic gold medallist,” Lyles said.
He added that in 2028, competing on home soil will be a morale booster and he will be out to show the world what he really is capable of.
“I think of it [L.A. 2028] being my greatest Olympics ever,” Lyles said. “It’s going to be on home soil. I’ve already got the beautiful feeling from Paris. The energy, the crowds were amazing. I’m just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, you get to bring this back to the U.S. home soil?’ It’s very rare that you get to make the Olympics, and then on top of that, be in your own backyard,” he added.
