American sprint icon Justin Gatlin has explained why Noah Lyles would be greatly challenged by Letsile Tebogo, Erriyon Knighton and Co if he would still be racing after the Paris Olympic Games.
The 2004 Olympic champion explained that even if he were free from the stress and COVID-19, the current crop of 200m runners would give him a run for his money and it would be unpredictable who would win.
Speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin insisted that Lyles’ season would be tougher after the Olympic Games despite being a great 200m runner.
“If he was running right now, I think he would have his hands full even without injuries or stress factors. If he was out there running, I think these guys would run him to the line,” Gatlin said.
“He would have to be right there and push himself without relaxing. It won’t be a restful season for him after the Olympics. He would have to go even harder post-championships.”
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya X handle for more updates.
The American was quick to note that, however, Lyles is an exceptional 200m runner and he has recorded faster times. He added that in a past interview, the three-time world 200m champion gave his competitors their flowers.
In the same interview, Lyles explained that the only time he would be worried about the 200m was if the athletes started running faster times and showcasing immense potential in dethroning him.
“I’m not sure…19.5 and 19.6 is Noah’s sweet spot. We’ve seen him run 19.5s and 19.6s consistently, over and over again. He came out, actually, and had an interview with Wallace Spearman and Eric Canard and they talked about what he thought about Tebogo and Erriyon Knighton and he acknowledged their talent and insisted that he would not take that away from them,” Gatlin said.
“He explained that the only time he would be worried is if their form changes, when they get stronger or when they get shoulder caps. When they look like they are becoming a more powerful sprinter. He said then, that’s when he is going to worry.”
