Noah Lyles or Kishane Thompson? As the biggest sporting event approaches, all eyes are on the men’s 100m race in the French capital. The 100m race is considered the pinnacle of speed excellence, and both the American and the Jamaican are among the top contenders to walk away from the Paris Olympics as the fastest man in the world. While American fans vouch that the reigning world champ will undoubtedly prove his supremacy on the grandest stage, not everyone shares their optimism.

Lyles has won several emphatic races in various distances ahead of the 2024 Games. Yet, the threat posed by Thompson, who holds the current world lead, adds new dimensions to their rivalry. As fans put their faith in Thompson’s prowess, it seems even experts are swayed by the same hypothesis.

Noah Lyles left in the dust by Kishane Thompson

According to the latest update on the Odds Checker website, Lyles is currently running behind his Jamaican arch-nemesis in terms of boasting fans’ confidence in their worth. With an average of 11/8 odds to his name, Thompson leads the charge as Noah comes in second with 15/8 being the standard odd for the 27-year-old. Still, if you’ve been following the track world for the past few weeks, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

At the US Olympic Team Trials last month in Eugene, Lyles clocked a personal best of 9.83 seconds to secure his berth in the 100m event for Paris. Just hours later, Kishane Thompson flexed his lean muscles at the Jamaican Trials in Kingston, scooping the world lead with a stunning 9.77-second run. The world wasn’t fully prepared for this shocking result, but it has worked out well for Thompson, as the odds now reflect. Interestingly, Lyles may have played a part in channeling some faith towards his rival’s direction.

Last week, the five-time Diamond League gold medalist Noah was slammed by the fans for his joke asserting that Kishane should stay injured. However, while Thompson adds the pressure on Noah’s shoulders, there are others who can also dump cold water on the latter’s big dreams.

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More towering obstacles make life difficult for Noah in Paris

In recent months, Noah Lyles has been making bold claims, with one catching the attention of track fans the most: his statements about usurping Jamaican legend Usain Bolt’s throne. Lyles asserted that he would haul gold in all four events. While that doesn’t seem likely to happen now, especially with him not being called for the 4x400m relay, he has made quite an impression on the track fraternity. Yet, even his 100m ambitions aren’t immune to challenges.

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, defending 100m Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs, and even Noah’s own countrymen like Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley are all formidable contenders. Add to that Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake, who can give Lyles a run for his money at the speed-fest on the banks of the Seine. Britain’s national record holder Zharnel Hughes will also come with all guns blazing, determined to seize his revenge opportunity after a defeat to Noah at the Atlanta City Games earlier this year.

But who will come out triumphant when the dust settles down? Share your predictions with us in the comments below.