Throughout history, track and field has been the de facto stage for countless intense rivalries. From legendary matchups like Akani Simbine versus Yohan Blake to the electrifying showdowns of Trayvon Bromell against Ronnie Baker, Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin. Now it’s Noah Lyles’s turn. He is a six-time World champion and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic 200m bronze medalist. He faces formidable competition from two prominent American sprinters.

Christian Coleman, the defending world champion, presents a seasoned challenge. In contrast, Erriyon Knighton emerges as a rising star, earning comparisons to the legendary Usain Bolt for his exceptional achievements at a youthful stage. But who stands as his biggest rival: the seasoned speedster Coleman or the emerging sensation Knighton? Now, let’s see who truly emerges as the ultimate rival.

The riveting rivalry between Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman

Hailing from diverse corners of America, Lyles and Coleman emerge as contrasting figures rather than kindred spirits. While Coleman opts for a silent dedication to his craft, Lyles exudes an electrifying and animated persona. Thus, when fate intertwined their paths for the first time in 2019, no one could have predicted the monumental rivalry that would unfold. The 2019 Shanghai Diamond League marked the genesis of a rivalry poised to carve its place in the annals of track and field history.

Thrown into competition against each other in the men’s 100m final, Coleman unleashed the speed of a cheetah in pursuit of victory. The race appeared heavily in Coleman’s favour until the final stretch, where a burst of energy as Noah Lyles surged towards him. Neck and neck, Lyles locked eyes with Coleman as they crossed the finish line in a finish, both registering an official time of 9.86. Following tense deliberation by the judges, Lyles was declared the victor by a mere six-thousandths of a second.

Just two days ago, Noah Lyles secured a significant victory over Christian Coleman in the 60m indoor sprint event at the USATF Indoor Championships 2024. Lyles edged out Coleman by a mere.01s, marking his first-ever win against his formidable opponent. But this is just the beginning; it’s going to continue to the Olympics, where Erriyon Knighton will also be competing.

 Lyles vs. Erriyon Knighton – a spectacle to beh0ld

The genesis of Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton’s rivalry can be traced to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Lyles, with a lightning-fast 19.74, secured bronze, while Knighton, at a tender age of 17 at that time, impressively clinched fourth place. However, the rivalry took flight during the 2022 season when Knighton, displaying remarkable prowess, began challenging Lyles’s established records.

Read More: Noah Lyles’ 60m Rival Christian Coleman Opens 2024 Season With Gold

The rivalry reached fever pitch when at that time 18-year-old Knighton stunned the world with a blistering 19.49-second sprint, breaking Lyles’s record and marking him as the fourth-fastest man alive. Then, at the USATF Championships in 2022, Lyles roared back, seizing victory in the 200-meter event with a 19.67-second triumph, leaving Knighton in his wake at 19.69 seconds. Interestingly, at the Paris Olympics, Erriyon Knighton will be competing against Lyles for the gold medal in the 200m event.

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