
via Imago
IMAGO

via Imago
IMAGO
Noah Lyles walked into Monaco and silenced everybody who doubted him. He returned to the 200m at the Monaco Diamond League on July 11, clocking a powerful 19.88s into a -0.8 m/s headwind. It was his first outdoor 200m in 338 days, and he edged out Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo (19.97), proving to the world that he still has the speed and the world-class form that won him the Olympic gold in 100 meters. The message is clear — the 100m crown is still very much on his radar. But not everyone agrees to this…
With one test passed, a bigger one now awaits. The Olympic gold medalist now has his focus on the London Diamond League on Saturday, July 19, where he’ll run his first 100m of the season at London Stadium. Letsile Tebogo will look to match his Monaco magic, though this time, in a different event. The field is stacked, featuring Akani Simbine, Oblique Seville, and Zharnel Hughes. But with the latest updates from London, questions are starting to swirl around Noah once again.
Ahead of the event, NBC Sports Director of Social Media, Travis Miller, posted on X on July 18, 2025, “#LondonDL 100m lane assignments. Predictions? 🤔” Louie Hinchliffe takes Lane 1, followed by Ackeem Blake in Lane 2 and Zharnel Hughes in Lane 3. Oblique Seville lines up in Lane 4. Lane 5 features Noah Lyles, making his much-anticipated 100m debut. Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo looks to bounce back in Lane 6, while unbeaten Akani Simbine brings confidence to Lane 7. Jeremiah Azu rounds out the field in Lane 8. Who’s winning? Well, the debate in the comments was fiery!
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#LondonDL 100m lane assignments. Predictions? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/cyK7P2zcnZ
— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) July 18, 2025
Fans debate over Noah Lyles and co. ahead of London DL
Though Noah Lyles has a combined 27-5 head-to-head record against the London Diamond League 100m field, it does not stop the fans from debating over the question that who would be the first to cross the finish line. One fan chose Oblique Seville, saying, “Focus on lanes 5, 6, and 7, would say Seville but idk about that rn“. So they are willing to put their money on Lyles, Tebogo, and Simbine, but Seville is their winner. Another fan came in confidence, saying, “I got Oblique…what time is this kicking off?”
What’s your perspective on:
Can Noah Lyles silence his critics again, or will Simbine and Seville steal the show in London?
Have an interesting take?
Seville has recently posted a 9.83s in the Jamaican nationals (finishing second to Kishane Thompson), it’s going to be a tough battle against Lyles and Simbine in it, but never say never. Another fan said, “Seville Simbine Lyles”. That’s their podium. Simbine might be Noah’s biggest challenge in London. In his undefeated streak, the South African has hit six sub‑10s—featuring a legal 9.90 s into a headwind (–1.4 m/s) and a wind‑aided 9.86 s. Though head-to-head, they stand at 7-1, but the Olympic gold medalist, making his 2025 100m debut, plays a big role.
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Despite that, fans are counting on Noah Lyles. A fan’s podium looked like, “1. Noah (looking big and strong) 2. Akani ( great season so far) 3. Oblique (first diamond league) 4. Tebogo” You can never count out the current 100m Olympic gold medalist out of a 100m race. Akani Simbine is red‑hot right now, having broken the record of 11 straight sub-10-second seasons. Though London marks his first 100 m Diamond League appearance, Seville is already a major threat based on recent form.
Tebogo is also great, but people would count him out in the 100m podium, even for the world championships as well. In the 100 m, his season best is around 10.03 s, behind all three. What are your predictions for London?
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Can Noah Lyles silence his critics again, or will Simbine and Seville steal the show in London?