Letsile Tebogo’s controversial comment on ‘arrogant and loud’ Noah Lyles sparks criticism on social media

Letsile Tebogo names Noah Lyles as “the face of athletics” after winning 200m gold at the Paris Olympics.

Letsile Tebogo’s controversial comment on ‘arrogant and loud’ Noah Lyles sparks criticism on social media

Letsile Tebogo and Noah Lyles [Image Credit: BBC/Imago]

The Paris Olympics 200m men’s race takes a controversial turn following gold medal winner Letsile Tebogo’s comments on Noah Lyles. During a media appearance on Thursday, Tebogo commented how he can’t become the face of athletics and passed over the crown to Lyles.

The incident took place after he was asked if he considers himself the face of athletics now. To his reply, “I can’t be the face of athletics because I’m not an arrogant or a loud person like Noah (Lyles).”

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After winning the 100m race, Lyles was “pretty confident” in taking the gold at 200m. However, he was later diagnosed with COVID-19 and exited the race after winning bronze. Kenny Bednarek took silver home, while Tebogo won gold. 

Fans on social media got divided on Lyles’ positive COVID take, questioning how he was jumping around the track if he was ill. There were also many who supported him in finishing the race and winning bronze.

Lyles even took time to congratulate him after the race before being taken out by a wheelchair. He also congratulated him on social media. However, Letsile Tebogo’s comment during the press conference took a controversial turn as fans discussed whether he meant what he said or was just a misinterpretation.

Social media reacts to Letsile Tebogo’s comments on Noah Lyles

After finishing the 200m race, Noah Lyles got taken away in a wheelchair after falling on the tracks, revealing that he had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the event. While fans had questions about the newsbreak, they congratulated him for competing to the finish line.

Letsile Tebogo and Noah Lyles [Image Credit: Daily Maverick/Imago]
Letsile Tebogo and Noah Lyles [Image Credit: Daily Maverick/Imago]

On the other hand, Letsile Tebogo’s comments divided the track and field fans, questioning if it was intentional or not. Many supported the African racer saying it was just a language barrier, and he didn’t mean it.

Others stated how it lacked sportsmanship, “Tebogo smoked him.” Check out some of the reactions below:

The Paris Olympics 200m race ended in Noah Lyles’ heartbreak as he failed to compete in the race in his 100% form. Tebogo’s win marked a new chapter in the history of African athletics, as he became the first Olympian to win the 200m race in the continent.

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