Noah Lyles has always been a master at keeping himself in the spotlight, whether it’s his bold fashion choices, his high-profile feud with NFL players over the ‘world champion’ title. That feud escalated into an online spat with Tyreek Hill—at one point, Noah even accused him of ‘chasing clout,’ or the buzz around his relationship with fellow track star Junelle Bromfield. As we said, the Olympic 100m champion, who also holds the American 200m record at 19.31 seconds, has never shied away from attention, racking up six World Championship titles and a 2024 Olympic gold in the 100m. Well, Noah again has stirred the pot. But this time over the tracks.

According to a recent announcement from Citius Mag” “100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles is entered in the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational men’s 400m in Gainesville on Saturday—his first open 400m race since 2016″. So, what makes this switch to the 400m such a big deal for the 27-year-old sprinter?

For those watching Noah Lyles closely, this news won’t come as much of a surprise. Back in March 2025, Lyles hinted at his interest in the 400m, posting on X, “Did a 400m workout yesterday and I’m not gonna lie… I think I need to run a 400 soon.”  Well, true to his word, the Olympic 100m champion has now entered the 400m at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational set for James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville on April 19, 2025, marking his first open race in the event since 2016.

Since the 2016 race, posting a personal best of 47.04, he has not run a 400m yet has dominated the 100m and 200m, earning a sprint treble. With nearly a decade since his last open 400m, this move aligns with Lyles’ history of doing the unexpected things that keep fans talking. But how does this entry fit into his pattern of surprising career choices? And, most importantly, how this will turn out for Lyles remains to be seen.

Noah’s track at TJMI laden with big challenges

Well, besides Noah Lyles, the 400m at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational is stacked with talent. It starts with 2x World Championship 200m medalist Erriyon Knighton. The 21-year-old American ran an impressive 45.37 in the 400m on April 5th. He’s coming off a strong season that includes a 2023 World Championship 200m silver, where he clocked 19.75 seconds. Knighton’s recent 400m performance signals that he’s ready to challenge Lyles in a new event. That makes this race a must-watch for track fans. But how will he fare against another rising star in the field?

Adding to the competition is NCAA champion, Christopher Morales Williams, who’s also entered in the 400m showdown. The 19-year-old Canadian sprinter clocked a stunning 44.49 to win the 400m at the SEC Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2024. That 44.49, if ratified, would have broken Kerron Clement’s 2005 world indoor record of 44.57. Morales Williams’ speed and experience make him a serious threat, setting the stage for a thrilling battle in Gainesville. With such a competitive field, what does this mean for Lyles’ big return?

This 400m at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational is shaping up to be an electrifying race. And it will be a tough challenge for Noah Lyles. He’ll be facing Knighton, who recently ran a 45.37, and Morales Williams, who clocked a blazing 44.49. Lyles will need to dig deep to improve on his 47.04 personal best, especially after nearly a decade away from the event. The clash of these titans promises an unmissable spectacle. Lyles is stepping into uncharted territory against some of the best in the world.