I guess it’s fine he says this stuff for publicity, I just wish it was more… compelling? All he does is challenge other people to his sport. He, olympic gold medalist in the 100m, finds it compelling to watch someone race him in the 100m… why doesn’t he go try to play football against Tyreek (rip your ACL).
I find it all slightly odd. Tyreek Hill doesn’t need publicity. There’s little value for actual stars to go get their behinds whipped by a D list celebrity. Noah should be piggybacking their spotlight, not the other way around. I wonder if he’s aware of that.
This post was edited 50 seconds after it was posted.
"Here’s my open challenge right now: if you’re an athlete out there and you’ve got an idea for a race, let me know,” Lyles said. “Reach out to me. Let’s get it done...It doesn’t matter what sport you’re in, if you want to get your butt kicked by the world’s fastest man, I am happy to give it to you.”
He also casts some doubt on whether he'll run in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
Lyles said:
“If they want it to be successful, they’ve gotta get the highest caliber athletes.In my opinion, the highest caliber athletes, you have to give them something that they’re valuing, or that they can see the value. Sometimes it’s monetary, sometimes it is more engagement, a bigger audience. “Personally, they haven’t offered me anything that I see as valuable yet. We have been in constant talks. But we are going to have to come to a decision pretty soon. As I’m planning out the schedule, I don’t want to have this looming are we or are we not going to go type of conversation throughout the year.”
Anyone besides me a little tired of him talking about he won't do GST or the Ultimate Champs as he's not being offered anything of value? Dude, they are trying to grow the sport. They need the help of already wealthy stars to show up.
I disagree. Lyles is literally holding them accountable to make track and field a better product than what it is. He says, "You want me? Show me a better product". He has no obligations.
What about all of the distance runners who were a no show for World XC? How are they helping to grow the sport?
If Lyles wants publicity and to cement his legacy as a great sprinter across the world, a win at the World Ultimate Championships against Seville and Thompson in the 100m is the way to do it. But he probably sees the risk of losing increasing as he gets older and therefore being harmful to his image. We'll see if runs at the UCs but I'm not holding my breath.
I wanted lyles SUSPENDED for 1 year after starting the confrontation with Kung Fu Kenny at last years usatf champs. You cant just get in someones face and taunt them after beating them. I personally thought he should have disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct for that. Yet cole bumps elbows in tokyo and gets thrown out on the spot. Obviously Bad officiating and onky caring about TV viewership / revenue.
CoachdahI
Lyles is a showman. Modern day social media has given his type a socially acceptable platform. He's trying to an influencer/athlete hybrid. He wants to make money off garnering attention. Most of his talk is BS, simply trying to hit a lick of cash from the attention. Racing ishowspeed gave him more ideas.
He is a showman. But he puts on a show. He is reigning Olympic 100m champion, potentially the single most valuable title in our sport.
I think he's a little too flashy sometimes. But over the last few years, he has proven time and time again that his understanding of the sport is simply better than most people's. Look at 2024, where he talked LOUD for a year and ended up winning when it counted. Or in 2025, when he doubted grand slam track and was obviously right to do so. That was a sinking ship that would have taken Lyles down with it. Whatever his next venture in this sport might be, I have trust it is well thought out at this point.
False advertising. I am pretty sure he would not give out his phone number, would not answer all associated phone calls, would not race against hobbysprinters with a passion for the sport but who are too slow, Usain Bolt who needs money, or anyone who literally just wants to practice butts kicks for martial arts.
"Here’s my open challenge right now: if you’re an athlete out there and you’ve got an idea for a race, let me know,” Lyles said. “Reach out to me. Let’s get it done...It doesn’t matter what sport you’re in, if you want to get your butt kicked by the world’s fastest man, I am happy to give it to you.”
He also casts some doubt on whether he'll run in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
Anyone besides me a little tired of him talking about he won't do GST or the Ultimate Champs as he's not being offered anything of value? Dude, they are trying to grow the sport. They need the help of already wealthy stars to show up.
Kind of weird for him to say “If you want to get your butt kicked by the world’s fastest man, (Call me).” then say that he probably isn’t going to race the biggest meet in the world due to some spiel about value? Sounds hypocritical. I don’t think you would hear the other arrogant guy Jakob saying this stuff.
What if we flipped butt and man thus: if you want to get your man kicked by the world’s fastest butt, I’m happy to give it to you.