'I felt that I needed to adjust'- Noah Lyles recounts how 100m semi-final heat loss to Oblique Seville served as a wake up call at the Paris Olympics

Olympic champion Noah has candidly shared his thoughts on his intense rivalry with Jamaica’s sprint sensation, Oblique , and his unexpected challenges at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The highly anticipated showdown between the two sprinters became one of the highlights of the games, showcasing the unpredictability.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles will be hoping to carry his 2024 momentum into the 2025 season as he looks to defend his world titles in the 100m and 200m.

‘ rivalry with Seville began earlier in 2024 at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica. In that race, the Jamaican stunned the track world by clocking a blistering 9.82 seconds, a personal best that also became the world-leading time then.

Lyles, who finished second, was quick to dismiss the result as inconsequential, emphasizing the importance of performing at global championships like the Olympics. He promised redemption in Paris, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash.

The much-awaited rematch occurred during the 100m semifinals in Paris. Seville once again displayed his prowess, narrowly beating Lyles with a time of 9.81 seconds to Lyles’ 9.83.

Both athletes advanced to the final, but Lyles acknowledged that the loss caught him off guard.

«I underestimated the competition,» Lyles admitted in Season 2 of the Netflix docuseries Sprint. «It was not the outcome we wanted. We wanted to be able to win every round. I felt that I did need to adjust how I thought it would be a little bit at the Olympics. I thought it would feel more rewarding. This Olympics is definitely harder than I expected.»

Despite the semifinal setback, Lyles delivered a stunning performance in the final, claiming the gold medal with a time of 9.79 seconds

In a dramatic finish, he edged out Jamaica’s Kishane , who also clocked 9.79, by a mere thousandth of a second. Seville, however, struggled in the final, finishing eighth with a time of 9.91 seconds

With the 2025 season looming, Oblique Seville is poised for a showdown with Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson on the global stage.

Lyles’ victory not only secured his status as the world’s fastest man but also underscored his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. Reflecting on the rivalry, Lyles praised the competitive spirit of his Jamaican counterparts, acknowledging that their challenge pushed him to greater heights

With Paris in the rearview mirror, the rivalry between Lyles and is likely to continue fueling excitement in the world of track and field. For now, Lyles stands atop the podium, his redemption complete.