Sports
Asafa Powell Lauds Noah Lyles Following Olympic Triumph
Legendary Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell has commended American athlete Noah Lyles following his successful performance at the Paris Olympics, where Lyles clinched his first Olympic gold medal in the men’s 100m final. The 27-year-old achieved victory with a time of 9.79 seconds, surpassing his closest competitor Kishane Thompson and an array of renowned athletes at the Stade de France.
Lyles demonstrated his prowess by harnessing his energy and speed, particularly in the latter half of the race, allowing him to claim the coveted gold medal. Faced with formidable rivals such as Fred Kerley and Oblique Seville, Lyles executed a perfect dip at the finish line to secure his win.
Powell, speaking on his YouTube channel “The Powells,” expressed admiration for Lyles, noting his ability to leverage the energy of the crowd and his competitors to his advantage. “Noah feeds off people’s energy and speed,” Powell remarked, highlighting Lyles’ exceptional adaptability in race conditions. Powell further reiterated that Lyles always backs up his words with performance.
The Jamaican veteran sprinter also extended his praise to fellow countryman Kishane Thompson, who secured a silver medal in what was his first Olympic appearance. “Congrats to Noah Lyles and Kishane. 9.79, Olympic final, silver medal—big things guys,” Powell stated, urging the Jamaican public to celebrate Thompson’s achievement.
25-year-old American sprinter Lyles continues to be a formidable competitor on the global stage, maintaining his position as a strong contender for future races. His ability to channel competitive energy effectively is viewed as a significant challenge for his rivals.
Powell, a seasoned icon in the world of sprinting, holds the distinction of having run sub-10-second 100m sprints an unprecedented 97 times. Despite not achieving Olympic glory during his career, Powell’s accomplishments continue to inspire the next generation of athletes, including Lyles.