Noah Lyles, the 27-year-old sprinter who became the world’s fastest man in the 100 meters at the Olympics and won a bronze in the 200 meters while battling COVID-19, has faced an unwarranted wave of criticism. Despite his achievements, Lyles has been targeted, both by fans and fellow athletes like NFL star Tyreek Hill, who recently accused Lyles of faking his illness and challenged him to a race.
This backlash partly stems from Lyles’s 2023 comments questioning whether NBA champions should call themselves “world champions,” a remark that struck a nerve. While the NBA does feature global talent, Lyles’s broader point about true international competition was lost in the noise, leading to unnecessary vitriol.
The real issue, however, isn’t about who’s faster or what defines a world champion. It’s about respect. Lyles has nothing left to prove—he’s a three-time Olympic medalist and the fastest man on the planet. He doesn’t need to race Hill or entertain baseless accusations. His track record speaks for itself, and that alone deserves respect. Lyles doesn’t owe anyone anything, and it’s time we acknowledge his greatness without trying to tear him down.
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