The men's 200m final provided us yet another dramatic race at this summer's Olympics last night, with Botswana's Letsile Tebogo producing a stunning performance to claim gold in Paris.
Much of the conversation in the buildup to this race had been dominated by America's Noah Lyles, who was hoping to complete the sprint double after his victory in the 100m final earlier this week.
However, once this race got underway, it was clear that it would be Tebogo's night. He would destroy the rest of the field on his way to claiming gold, with Lyles underwhelming with a third place finish.
Watch as Letsile Tebogo became the first African man to claim 200m gold at the Olympics 🥇🇧🇼
Third-place Noah Lyles was 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝! #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/RGejIRhmpZ— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 8, 2024
We would then see some bizarre scenes after the race, with Noah Lyles being taken away from the track in a wheelchair. It was later revealed that the American had tested positive for covid in the days leading up to the race, leading to questions about his involvement in last night's event.
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Olympic 200m Champion Throws Dig At 'Arrogant' Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles has been among the most discussed athletes at this summer's Olympics, with his brash confidence something that his split opinion in recent times.
His comments in the past have rubbed quite a few people up the wrong way, while his antics just before races have also caused quite a bit of debate. Last night, he would storm onto the track before the 200m final despite later needing a wheelchair to leave the venue.
We're still here. Letsile Tebogo's entrance vs. Noah Lyles'.
🤭🤭🤭 pic.twitter.com/l7DHSHlHef— Solomon King (On Social Media Break) (@solomonking) August 9, 2024
One person who does not seem all that impressed with Lyles' persona is the man who beat him at the Stade de France yesterday.
Speaking after claiming his gold medal, Lestile Tebogo would throw a subtle dig at the way Lyle conducts himself when asked about becoming the new face of athletics.
“I’m not an arrogant or loud person like Noah” 😱
200m Olympic Champion Letsile Tebogo had some choice words in his press conference about his American counterpart 👀#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/uSaqNnS2Ls— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 9, 2024
For me, I can't be the face of athletics because I'm not arrogant or a loud person like Noah [Lyles].
So I believe Noah is the face of athletics.
He certainly knew what he was doing there.
While he may be a very reserved character, there is no doubt that Tebogo looks set to become one of the biggest names in athletics. He is already an incredible operator at just 21-years old, with some even expecting him to challenge Usain Bolt's 200m world record over the coming years.
He could also form quite the rivalry with Noah Lyles in the process, something that could only be good for the sport. We're already looking forward to seeing those two go head to head at the LA Olympics four years from now.
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