Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley set for major showdown at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

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ATHLETICS Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley set for major showdown at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

Joel Omotto 13:00 - 10.01.2024

American track rivals Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley have set up a mouth-watering encounter as both will feature in the 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston next month

World 100m champion Noah Lyles is set for a major showdown with the man he succeeded after Fred Kerley, the 2022 world 100m champion, was confirmed for the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on February 4.

Lyles had previously confirmed his participation in the 60m race before Kerley was added to the list on Tuesday, spicing up the event which will see two of the world’s top sprinters go toe-to-toe.

Kerley, known for his versatility on the track, will make his first appearance at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix as he seeks a comeback in 2024 after his 2023 season ended in disappointment, having failed to defend his 100m title, after missing out on a place in the final at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

He would change coaches in the wake of the loss and will now be keen to test his capabilities in Boston ahead of the Olympics where he will be out to improve on the silver medal he won in 100m at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.

This event will mark Kerley’s debut in the 60m dash, setting the stage for an electrifying race against fellow American sprinter Lyles.

Lyles, a triple world champion, is known for his formidable presence on the track, making this a must-watch showdown for track and field fans.

Meanwhile, Olympic and world steeplechase silver medallist Lamecha Girma will headlines the men’s 3,000m field.

The Ethiopian clocked a world indoor record of 7:23.81 for that distance in Lievin last year, then went on to break the world steeplechase record outdoors with 7:52.11.

The women’s 3,000m will bring together world indoor silver medallist Elle St Pierre of the USA, European silver medallist Ciara Mageean of Ireland, and world U20 5000m record-holder Medina Eisa of Ethiopia.

Those top athletes join the previously announced Gudaf Tsegay, Grant Holloway, Marco Arop, Jake Wightman, Gabby Thomas, Daniel Roberts, Trey Cunningham, Mariano Garcia and Bryce Hoppel.

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