Noah Lyles Makes Feelings Clear on Kishane Thompson After First Loss Since Olympics Showdown.

Noah Lyles Makes Feelings Clear on Kishane Thompson After First Loss Since Olympics Showdown.

 

Chorzów, Poland – August 17, 2025 — Sprint fans were treated to a thrilling showdown on Saturday at the Silesia Diamond League meet, as American sprint star Noah Lyles went head-to-head with Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson for the first time since their dramatic clash in the 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

This time, it was Thompson who came out on top.

Thompson powered to victory in the men’s 100m with a blistering time of 9.87 seconds, edging out Lyles, who finished second in 9.90. It marked Thompson’s first win over Lyles since the Olympic final in Paris, where the American narrowly snatched gold by a mere five-thousandths of a second.

Saturday’s result served as a measure of redemption for Thompson — but for Lyles, it was a reminder that the top spot in sprinting remains hotly contested.

After the race, Lyles didn’t shy away from addressing the outcome. Instead, he praised Thompson’s performance and showed no signs of bitterness. “Kishane ran a great race,” Lyles said. “He got out strong, held his form, and took it all the way to the line. It’s what competition is all about.”

Lyles was quick to emphasize that his eyes remain fixed on the bigger picture — the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. “This race is a stepping stone,” he said. “I’m not here to peak in August. I’m here to dominate in Tokyo.”

The rematch had been long awaited. Since their Paris clash, the sprinting world has closely followed the development of a potential new rivalry between the American powerhouse and the rising Jamaican star. Their first meeting in over a year did not disappoint.

While Lyles has enjoyed a dominant 2025 season so far — including wins in both the 100m and 200m at multiple Diamond League events — Thompson’s form had been quietly improving. The Jamaican sprinter showed early signs of peaking at the right time, and Saturday’s performance confirmed he remains a top contender heading into the world championships.

Thompson, 24, remained humble in victory. “I’ve been working hard and staying focused,” he said. “Paris taught me a lot — about racing, about preparation, and about myself. I respect Noah a lot. He’s a fierce competitor, and today was just my day.”

Though Saturday marked a rare defeat for Lyles, he made it clear that his confidence is unshaken. “I’ve lost races before — and every time, I’ve come back stronger,” he said. “This doesn’t define me. If anything, it sharpens the edge.”

As both athletes continue their preparations for Tokyo, the sprinting world now has even more reason to anticipate a potential rematch on the world stage. With their head-to-head now standing at 1–1 since Paris, the Lyles–Thompson rivalry is officially heating up.

And if Saturday’s race was any indication, we’re only just getting started.