BREAKING: Noah Lyles in Hot Soup After Bold Claim Sparks Fan Backlash at USATF Nationals The American sprinter has sparked controversy after bold championship claims, drawing fan backlash and historical corrections ahead of the 200m race.

BREAKING: Noah Lyles in Hot Soup After Bold Claim Sparks Fan Backlash at USATF Nationals

The American sprinter has sparked controversy after bold championship claims, drawing fan backlash and historical corrections ahead of the 200m race.

American sprint star Noah Lyles has once again found himself at the center of controversy, after making a bold championship claim during the USATF National Championships that quickly drew widespread backlash from fans and track historians alike.

Following his heat in the men’s 100 meters, Lyles spoke confidently about his ambitions to dominate the sprinting world, telling reporters he intended to become the first man to achieve a 100-meter “Worlds-Olympics-Worlds” triple — winning the World Championships, Olympic gold, and then repeating as world champion in consecutive cycles.

“People don’t realize what I’m about to do,” Lyles said. “Nobody’s done the world championships, Olympic gold, world championships triple in the 100 meters back-to-back. I’m going to go for that quadruple.”

While his ambition was clear, his historical accuracy was quickly called into question. Track and field fans and pundits were quick to point out that sprinting legend Maurice Greene accomplished that very feat over two decades ago — capturing 100m world titles in 1999 and 2001, and Olympic gold in 2000.

Social media erupted with fact-checks, memes, and criticism. “Does he not know about Maurice Greene?” one fan posted. “A little humility would go a long way,” added another. The hashtag #KnowYourHistory trended briefly among U.S. track fans.

Lyles, 27, is no stranger to the spotlight — or to criticism. Known for his charisma and flair, he has frequently spoken openly about his goals and opinions, often polarizing audiences. In 2023, he sparked outrage by questioning the use of the term “world champions” by NBA teams, prompting a sharp response from basketball stars including Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

This latest incident comes just days before the 200-meter final — Lyles’ signature event, in which he holds the American record of 19.31 seconds and has claimed multiple world titles. Despite his confidence, fans and analysts have urged the sprinter to let his performances do the talking.

The controversy has also reignited discussions about the fine line between confidence and arrogance in elite sports. Some defend Lyles’ right to speak boldly as a reigning world champion and Olympic contender, while others feel he risks alienating fans and disrespecting the legends who came before him.

In a follow-up comment after his race, Lyles doubled down, stating, “I’m still the 200-meter national champion. I don’t believe in giving up titles — someone has to take it from me.”

That declaration has only heightened anticipation for Sunday’s 200-meter final, where Lyles will line up against a stacked field, including rising stars and former Olympians all eager to test his claim.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Lyles — not just for his speed, but for his words. Whether he can back them up with gold remains to be seen.