Noah Lyles in Hot Soup After Bold Claim Sparks Fan Backlash at USATF Nationals

The American sprinter has sparked controversy after bold championship claims, drawing fan backlash and historical corrections ahead of the 200m race.

Noah Lyles recently found himself at the center of a social media storm following a confident post-race interview at the 2025 USATF National Championships.

The reigning world champion sprinter made headlines after declaring his ambition to become the first athlete to win consecutive 100m titles at the World Championships, an Olympic gold, and another World Championship—all within two years.

Lyles, who cruised through the first round of the 100m dash and topped the standings, shocked fans when he announced that he wouldn’t be running in the semi-finals or finals of the event. Instead, he chose to focus solely on the 200m dash, a race in which he holds the current national title.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Speaking in a post-race interview, Lyles explained how his mindset has shifted as he reinvents himself year after year:

"Well, now I need the Olympic gold, you know, reinventing myself there. Now we're in 2025. It's like, OK, what's the next thing? Well, nobody's been able to go world champion, Olympics, world championship, win in the 100, let's be the first. And I don't think anybody's done the quadruple in the four or in the 200, so let's be the first. So again, it's like reinventing constantly find that next motivation," said Noah Lyles.

His comments, however, sparked immediate backlash from fans on X (formerly Twitter), many of whom were quick to challenge his historical accuracy and current performance trajectory.

Fans Fire Back With Receipts and Criticism

Track and field followers wasted no time pointing out that Lyles would not be the first to achieve the feat. Several users reminded the athlete of Maurice Greene's legendary run—World Championship titles in 1999 and 2001, and Olympic gold in 2000—clearly disputing Lyles’ claim.

One user wrote, "Maurice Greene. World Championships 1999. Olympic Games 2000. World championships 2001."

Another sarcastically commented, "Noah needs to do a little less talking about focus on Kung Fu Kenny and that guy in Botswana. Oh yea, there's a brother in Jamaica who won't let him win easily. It's gonna be messy."

Fans also criticized Lyles' current form, noting that he’s struggling to break the 10-second barrier this season—an alarming sign with the World Championships only two months away.

“2 months away from Worlds, this dude struggling to break 10s. Not looking good,” said another user.

Lyles Shifts Focus to Defending His 200m Crown

While the online drama brewed, Lyles maintained focus on the 200m dash—the event in which he currently holds the US national title. Speaking earlier during his London Diamond League campaign, Lyles made it clear he has no intention of relinquishing his crown easily.

"We're going to actually go to USA's and we're planning to run the 200's. We're going to run every round. I am still the national champion in that event and I don't believe in giving up titles. I earned that title and I need to race, somebody needs to take it from me if they want it," Lyles asserted confidently.

He emphasized that competing on the biggest stages not only keeps him sharp but fuels his desire to stay on top. Lyles is expected to compete in the 200m on August 3, 2025, at the USATF National Championships.

Regardless of online chatter, Lyles appears unfazed. With his eyes set on the future and his legacy, fans will now wait to see if his ambition can be matched by performance—especially when rivals like Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo stand ready to challenge him on the world stage.