“Noah lyles lays the marker. 19.51secs. World lead. Fastest in the semis. Cometh the hour, cometh the champion Noah lyles“. This is how a fan reacted on X after Lyles’ performance in the 200m semifinals of the World Athletics Championships. His season has not been anywhere near 19.50. Monaco saw 19.88. There was a close 19.63 in the USATF Championships, but then again, 19.74 in the Diamond League finals. But as he got closer to the point of defending his 200m title, the Olympian clocked the only sub-19.60 of the season. But there was someone from Jamaica shaking the track and field world just before this. He has something to say to the world champion.

“For me, it’s going to be a good one. No is a great competitor. So with the other Olympic champion, let’s see other so you know I’m going to be a good match. In other words, you’re not worried about that time. Definitely not. Okay. Just focus on my own lane and just run.” This was Bryan Levell after he was asked in the Mixed Zone by Citius Mag whether Noah’s 19.51 was in response to his performance. How good was he?

The Jamaican already has his nation hyped up after he defeated a 200m Olympic gold medallist in the semi-finals, in 19.78s. Letsile Tebogo was second in 19.95s. This was the fastest time in the 200m semifinals of the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships before Lyles clocked the fastest time of the season. The best thing about this rivalry is the mutual respect, because the 200m World Champion also has only good words for the Jamaican.

Noah Lyles was asked the same question in the mixed zone, that his 19.51 was in response to Levell’s 19.78. “No, it was more of a statement to everybody. Like I said, we were trying to make the statement that you’re not going to beat me off the turn for these next two races,” he replied. The 200m world champion is so keen on defending that title. He mentioned that he thought he heard Zarnell breathing behind him, so he made sure to maintain his pace. When they reached about 20 meters remaining, he felt confident that he was safely ahead.

Though the British sprinter was way behind Noah, finishing second in 19.95 seconds. All thanks to the Olympic gold medalist for not letting down his speed. Speaking of Levell, the Olympian added,“I think he’s proven himself already. I mean, of course, I think he wants to end the season with a medal like all of us do, but I mean, he’s a great talent. I don’t know how long he’s been around, but he’s doing his thing right now.”

Bryan Levell had the world talking after his 19.69s in the Gyulai István Memorial, which is the third fastest 200m run of the season. Noah’s reaction to Levell was pretty wholesome, and he has been like that with Jamaica.

Noah Lyles is making things wholesome with his Jamaican rival

The best rivalry the track world has ever seen has been between Jamaica and the USA. Take Usain Bolt vs Justin Gatlin for an example. The most recent one could be the Oblique Seville vs Noah Lyles in the 100. The Jamaican dethroned the American sprinter as the 100m world champion by clocking 9.77s at the 100 m final of the World Athletics Championships. Lyles vs Kishane Thompson is also one rivalry that the track world might never forget, but these two wanted to watch a movie together.

After losing his 100m World title, Noah was asked about his and Kishane Thompson’s love for anime. Before the face-off, Noah Lyles said that Kishane Thompson had been sporting an Ultra Instinct Goku shirt throughout the warm-up, and he realized he wanted one for himself, too. He was asked if they were talking about anime still as well. “Yeah. Yeah, we talk about all the time. We were trying to discuss if we can go see the Demon Slayer movie tomorrow, but schedule conflicts and 200s and pre-lay practices, and it’s not looking like it’s going to happen, to be honest. We were really trying to force it, but I don’t think it’s going to line up,” he answered. 

The Demon Slayer film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025. This film is the first part of a trilogy adapting the “Infinity Castle” arc from the original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge. Both Lyles and Thompson would have loved to see the film in Tokyo itself, the home of anime, but unfortunately they have things scheduled. Noah will be racing in the 200m finals tomorrow. Will he win? Share your prediction as a comment.