“Noah, learn from Oblique!” – the public mockery from legend Usain Bolt aimed at Noah Lyles has ignited one of the biggest dramas in track and field. While Bolt showered Oblique Seville with praise, calling him a “precious gem” and “the bright future of Jamaica on the track”, Lyles was pushed into the center of harsh criticism. Refusing to back down, Lyles immediately fired back at the post-race press conference with two words , shocking the entire track and field world. He also declared he was cutting all ties with Bolt, flatly rejecting an invitation to a joint charity event, escalating the feud to its peak!
Track and field has not seen drama like this in years. What began as a seemingly innocuous praise for rising Jamaican star Oblique Seville has escalated into a full-blown feud between sprinting legend Usain Bolt and American sprint champion Noah Lyles. With just two words, Lyles sent shockwaves through the athletics world, signaling the birth of a bitter rivalry with one of the sport’s greatest icons.
The drama ignited shortly after the men’s 100m final at the Diamond League meet in Brussels. Oblique Seville had just clocked a personal best and secured a decisive win over a highly competitive field, including Lyles. In a now-viral Instagram post, Bolt praised Seville as a “precious gem” and “the bright future of Jamaica on the track,” but it was his parting comment that stirred controversy:
“Noah, learn from Oblique.”
The jab, interpreted by many as a direct insult to Lyles’ performance and attitude, drew immediate attention across social media and sports media. Critics argued that Bolt, usually a diplomatic figure in the sport, had crossed a line.
At the post-race press conference, reporters pressed Lyles on Bolt’s comments. With cameras flashing and the room tense, Lyles leaned into the mic and delivered just two words:
“Watch me.”
The simple but defiant response instantly went viral, trending worldwide within hours. But Lyles didn’t stop there. In a follow-up statement, he declared he was “cutting all ties” with Bolt, rejecting a previously scheduled joint appearance at a high-profile charity event for youth athletes in Kingston.
“I’ve always respected what Usain did on the track,” Lyles said, “but I won’t stand by while someone I looked up to tries to diminish my journey. We’re not friends, and we won’t be working together again.”
Bolt has yet to directly respond, but insiders close to the eight-time Olympic gold medalist say he was “shocked” by Lyles’ decision and stands by his praise for Seville.
The athletics world is now sharply divided. Many fans and commentators have come to Lyles’ defense, pointing to his triple gold performance at the World Championships and his relentless advocacy for athletes’ mental health. Others argue Bolt has every right to support his Jamaican compatriots and offer critique.
Meanwhile, Oblique Seville has remained silent, refusing to be drawn into the feud. His coach issued a brief statement calling for “respect and unity” in the sport.
As tensions continue to rise ahead of the Paris 2025 Olympics, where both Lyles and Seville are expected to clash again on the track, this feud adds a dramatic subplot to what was already shaping up to be a historic showdown.
Whether this rift will heal or deepen remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: track and field has its headline rivalry, and the world will be watching.
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