"You overcame it all!"- Noah Lyles lauds Letsile Tebogo as Botswana sprinter beats him for gold at Paris Olympics 2024

Noah Lyles was a pre-race favorite to win the men’s 200m final at the Paris Olympics but failed to live up to the billing, as he finished a distant third in 19.70. Youngster Letsile Tebogo was crowned the Olympic champion following his dominant win in 19.46 as Kenny Bednarek came in second in a time of 19.62.

After his loss to the Botswanan sprinter, Noah Lyles showcased his sportsmanship, lauding Tebogo for his gold medal. At just 21, Tebogo became the first African sprinter to win a gold medal in the men’s 200m at the Olympic Games. The time Tebogo clocked is also an African record.

Lyles acknowledged that Tebogo had to defy all odds to win the race. Earlier this season, Tebogo lost his mother, Seratiwa Tebogo and sought a swift comeback to competitive running. He disclosed that everything he does following his mother’s death is to honor her.

In light of that, Lyles saluted Tebogo and shared a post on his X handle saying:

"LETSILE TEBOGO congratulations 🍾. Ik you have had a very rough year off the track and despite that you overcame it all!"

Meanwhile, both athletes were in impressive form going into the men’s 200m. Lyles and Tebogo each won their respective first rounds. Tebogo stunned Lyles in the semifinals, before once again coming out on top in the men’s 200m final.

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Will Noah Lyles compete for Team USA in men’s 4x100m relay final at Paris Olympics?

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 10 - Source: Getty

Noah Lyles is uncertain about his participation in the men’s 4x100m relay final at the Paris Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19.

In an interview shared on X by Chris Chavez, the three-time world champion noted that the decision lies with the coaches. However, he expressed great confidence in the team that might be selected regardless.

"I’ll talk to the coaches and I’ll be very honest and transparent with them. I’m gonna let them make the decision. I think no matter what happens this 4x100m team can handle anything and everything," Lyles said.

"I’ve been with them in practice, they are more than capable of coming out with the win and even breaking as many records as they set their mind to," he added.

Noah Lyles won the gold medal in the men’s 100m in a personal best time of 9.79 at the Paris Olympics. After finishing third in the 200m amid his Covid-19 diagnosis, he now awaits his body’s response to see if he will be able to feature in the 4x100m relay final.