“Only” silver for the 4×400 m relay: sprinter Lyles causes problems for the American team

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No, Noah Lyles is certainly not a nobody on the athletics scene. His list of achievements includes several world championships in the 100 m and 200 m, as well as an Olympic bronze medal in the 200 m. It is therefore not surprising that he is counted on for the American team at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

And yet the nomination of 26-year-old Lyles for the American 4×400 meter relay created a lot of excitement this weekend. Because the runner didn’t really push himself for the role.

The American relay team loses to Belgium

As the Spanish newspaper “Marca” reports, Lyles’ teammates were shocked by the expulsion of Trevor Bassitt (26). Unlike Bassitt, Lyles had not competed in a single official 400-meter race since 2016.

And the reward promptly followed for the team consisting of Jacory Patterson (24), Matthew Boling (23), Christopher Bailey (23) and now Noah Lyles: In Glasgow, the American relay won “only” World Cup silver behind Belgium.

Critical voices

The US Athletics Association received only harsh criticism. Even Lyles’ friend and professional sprinter Fred Kerley, 28, publicly denounces those responsible, accusing the bosses of playing politics and using the athletes as puppets.

Former American stars Michael Johnson (56) and Carl Lewis (62) also made negative comments. Lewis complains that the season nomination is always based on politics.

It is still unclear whether Lyles will complete the 4×400 meter relay at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer. Despite his rather weak starts, Lyles is currently considered the strongest sprinter in the world. At the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, he was only defeated over 60 m by fellow countryman Christian Coleman (27).

Source : Blick