Why Noah Lyles Is Satisfied Despite 300m Loss to Jereem Richards: 'That's What This Year Is About'

Just days after a strong start to his season, reigning 200m world champion Noah Lyles experienced an unexpected setback, narrowly losing to Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem Richards at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

Stepping away from his usual 60m indoor focus, Noah Lyles competed in the 300m event, where he was edged out by the slimmest of margins in a thrilling finish.

Despite clocking an impressive 32.15 seconds, Noah Lyles was bested by Jereem Richards, who crossed the line in 32.14 seconds.

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However, the American sprinter remained positive, congratulating his rival and expressing his desire for more high-level competition. In a post-race interview, Lyles shared his perspective on the result.

"Overall result, that’s in my top three fastest 300 times. So I'm pleased with it," he stated. "Of course, I didn’t want to lose, but nobody does. I didn't come here to lose, but if you beat me, that means you're a champion. That you put in your real heart, and that’s what this year is exactly supposed to be."

This race marked Noah Lyles' second 300m event of the season, following his return to the distance for the first time since 2017 at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational in Gainesville, Florida, just a week prior. Last year, he also tested his range in the 400m at the Tom Jones Invitational, where he finished fifth.

The narrow loss comes after a stellar 2025 season for Noah Lyles, which saw him bounce back from a mixed performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The sprinter dominated nearly every event he entered, including the US National Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

He capped off the year by winning his first Diamond League title since 2022, defeating Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in the 200m final and avenging his loss from Paris.

Noah Lyles also secured another medal hat-trick at the Tokyo World Championships, earning a bronze in the 100m and claiming gold in both the 200m and the men's 4x100m relay.