'Felt No Pain, Just Speed' — Noah Lyles Reflects on 100m Diamond League Defeat to Oblique Seville

Noah Lyles

'Felt No Pain, Just Speed' — Noah Lyles Reflects on 100m Diamond League Defeat to Oblique Seville

Festus Chuma 10:20 - 20.07.2025

The Olympic 100m champion was outpaced by Oblique Seville in London but stayed positive, eyeing full form ahead of Tokyo.

Oblique Seville left Olympic champion Noah Lyles chewing his dust Saturday as the Jamaican sprinter powered to a statement win at the London Diamond League, clocking an electric 9.86 seconds to seize the 100m crown in front of a roaring crowd of 60,000.

Lyles, who had his sights set on a winning return after an injury-hit start to the season, was forced to settle for second, finishing in 10.00.

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It was a searing start from Seville, who exploded out of the blocks and opened a decisive two-meter lead within the first 20 meters.

“I feel great after that, I feel extremely healthy and I am feeling no pain. I wanted the win but I think it was my fastest ever season opener, so I will take that result today,” said Lyles.

Clad in a striking mauve one-piece, Lyles appeared relaxed and focused heading into the race, buoyed by his recent victory over Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in the 200m at the Monaco Diamond League.

But in London, it was the red-hot Seville who made the loudest statement, taking control of the race by the 25-meter mark with a dazzling burst of acceleration that no one could match.

Noah Lyles: Eyes Still on Tokyo Glory

Despite the disappointment, Lyles remains upbeat and undeterred as he builds momentum toward the World Championships in Tokyo this September.

Noah Lyles

His performance in London, although not a win, showed encouraging signs that he's rediscovering his top form after an early season ankle injury.

“You are going to see Oblique (Seville) out there and just be like, ok, do not let it get to your head, just go and try and chase them, just reel them in little by little, just like any race,” Lyles explained.

“And then of course there is the moment when you cross the line and you are like, I did not get it this time. But the most important thing was not to panic, to make sure that I hit all the positions regardless.”

London’s sold-out Olympic Stadium served as the perfect stage for the reigning 100m Olympic champion to test his sharpness against a stacked field that included top British sprinters Zharnel Hughes, Jeremiah Azu, and Louie Hinchliffe.

Noah Lyles: Resilience Through Setbacks

Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek.

Lyles has never shied away from setting lofty goals. He’s openly discussed chasing Usain Bolt’s iconic world records and remains driven by a dream to win three Olympic gold medals at Los Angeles 2028.

His ambitions of four golds in Paris were hampered by a bout of Covid, but he still managed to earn 100m gold and 200m bronze — a performance he now views with mixed emotions.

The American star, who overcame severe childhood asthma and has spoken candidly about his mental health journey, continues to show resilience in the face of setbacks.

Last week’s triumph in Monaco and Saturday’s strong 100m showing underline his steady return to form.

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