In a bold and controversial statement, Olympic champion Noah Lyles has dismissed the 200m sprint, traditionally considered one of the most prestigious events in track and field, calling it “nobody cares about it.” Lyles, who won gold in the 200m at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Championships, made the remarks during a recent interview where he discussed his vision for the future of sprinting.
Lyles, known for his outspoken personality, suggested that the focus on the 200m event is misplaced, and that the sport needs to evolve to remain relevant. “Nobody cares about it,” he said, expressing his belief that other sprint distances, particularly the 100m and the 4x100m relay, are the real highlights in track and field. His comments have raised eyebrows across the athletics world, especially considering his own dominance in the 200m.
The 200m has long been considered a premier race in the sport, drawing massive global attention every four years at the Olympics and serving as a key event at major track meets. Lyles’ remarks have sparked debate about whether the sport is evolving to keep up with modern interests, with many questioning if shorter sprints, like the 60m or even the emerging trend of street races, might become the future of sprinting.
While Lyles’ comments have stirred controversy, they also reflect his broader frustration with the direction of track and field. He has long been vocal about the sport’s need for better promotion and recognition, advocating for more exciting formats that could capture the attention of younger audiences.
Despite the backlash, Lyles remains a dominant figure in the sport, and his bold opinions are sure to keep the conversation about sprinting’s future alive.