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Addition Of Noah Lyles to U.S. 4x400 Relay Met With Mixed ReactionsPublished by
World 60 Meters Champion Saw Rare 4x400 Relay Duty And Kept The U.S. In The Lead On Third Leg Of Silver Medal Performance By David Woods for DyeStat GLASGOW, Scotland – Did Noah Lyles strengthen his case for inclusion in the 4x400-meter relay at the Paris Olympics? Or did he bomb the audition? A case could be made either way. Ultimately, the strategy failed, because Belgium denied Team USA a gold medal at the World Indoor Championships. Individual gold medalist Alexander Doom, with a 44.88 carry, overtook American anchor Christopher Bailey in the 4x400 relay Sunday and brought gold to the Belgians, 3:02.54 to 3:02.60. The margin of .06 seconds was the smallest in indoor Worlds history. Lyles has lobbied to be on the 4x400 at the Paris Olympics to give himself a chance to win a record-tying four gold medals: 100, 200, 4x100, 4x400. Since turning pro in 2016, he had run one other 4x400, at the Florida Relays in April 2023. On social media, sprinter Fred Kerley, a former quarter-miler who was 100-meter world champion in 2022, accused USA Track & Field of favoritism. Kerley asserted he had tried to get on the 4x400, and been rebuffed. “I mean, he could be here, but he ain’t,” Lyles said. “So be mad at that. Come on out here.” Bailey, at 45.32, had the Americans’ fastest leg. Jacory Patterson put the United States ahead with a 45.97 leadoff, followed by Matthew Boling 45.63 and Lyles 45.68. Lyles was fastest among the six teams’ third legs and handed off in the lead. The Americans needed a bigger one than he supplied. “I feel like I got the job done,” he said. “Everything I’ve been doing this year, I’ve seen a good 4x4 leg. I’ve seen a great 60 meters, and I’ve been able to run three rounds in one day. I’m very positive about Paris.” Michael Johnson, a BBC commentator who won two Olympic golds in the 400 and held the world record, posted on social media Lyles is “going to have to do a bit more” to be on the 4x400 relay team. “Whether Noah is named to the 4x400 in Paris will depend on how fast he runs in an open 400 this year AND the strength level of the US 400 squad in Paris,” Johnson tweeted. To insert Lyles in this 4x400, U.S. relays coach Mike Marsh cast aside national champion Brian Faust and relay veteran Trevor Bassitt, who earned golds by running in heats at both the 2022 and 2023 outdoor World Championships. Bassitt also ran in the heats at Glasgow. Lyles and his coach, Lance Brauman, told Marsh he would be ready if called upon. “I didn’t get any explanation,” Lyles said. “I just got the call from coach B.” Lyles said indoor running is different coming out of the banked turns but that outdoor 400s are a “different scenario.” He said he wanted to prove himself here or at the Florida Relays, and said he did so here. Contact David Woods at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007 More news |
