Letsile Tebogo secured a stunning victory in the 200-meter final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, claiming the gold medal ahead of America’s Kenny Bednarek, who took silver, and Noah Lyles, who finished with bronze. Lyles later revealed that he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 just two days before the race.
Following his triumph, Tebogo was asked about the prospect of becoming the new face of track and field. His response was both candid and controversial.
“I can’t be the face of athletics because I’m not an arrogant or loud person like Noah,” Tebogo stated, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.
Letsile Tebogo was asked after winning the men's 200m final if he aspires to world records and being the face of track and field.
Here was his answer:
"I can't be the face of athletics because I'm not an arrogant or a loud person like Noah (Lyles)."#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/HzafPb1kaM
— FloTrack (@FloTrack) August 8, 2024
Fans were quick to weigh in on Tebogo’s comments, with opinions divided.
“Everyone is saying this is classless, but Noah literally told all of them they’re gonna be depressed when he hits that corner, so him dishing it back is how I see it,” one fan tweeted, referencing Lyles’ earlier confident remarks.
“Track lowkey got more drama than I would’ve expected, and I love it,” another fan commented, highlighting the unexpected tension in the sport.
“This didn’t come out as Tebogo intended. I don’t think he meant any malice towards Noah,” another fan suggested, offering a more sympathetic interpretation of Tebogo’s words.
“Well…that’s definitely how people be feeling about Noah Lyles,” another tweet read, suggesting that Tebogo’s comment resonated with how some perceive the outspoken American sprinter.
“Shots fired,” one user succinctly tweeted, capturing the provocative nature of Tebogo’s statement.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Lyles to see how he responds to Tebogo’s remarks, especially given that Lyles was gracious in defeat, despite the circumstances surrounding his health. The rivalry between these two elite sprinters promises to add another layer of drama to the world of track and field.
