In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles not only secured the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter final but also silenced a wave of criticism that had been directed at him for nearly a year. Lyles, who had stirred up a storm in the sports world with his controversial “world champion” comments in 2023, has now backed up his bold words with an electrifying victory on the global stage. One of his critics, New York Knicks’ Josh Hart, has even admitted that Lyles’ triumph earned his respect.
The Controversy That Sparked a Firestorm:
The saga began in 2023 when Lyles, fresh off his victories in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay at the World Athletics Championships, made headlines for all the wrong reasons. During a press conference, Lyles questioned the legitimacy of NBA champions calling themselves “world champions,” a title he believed should be reserved for those who compete against international competition.
“You know the thing that hurts me the most? I have to watch the NBA Finals, and they have ‘world champion’ on their heads,” Noah Lyles remarked. “World champion of what? The United States? We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, and putting on a flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”
“I love the U.S… but that ain’t the world!” ❌
Noah Lyles throws shade at the NBA’s ‘world champions’ 🏀👀 pic.twitter.com/BRCJagckcK
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 27, 2023
The statement quickly went viral, igniting backlash from numerous NBA stars, including Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, and Draymond Green, who took to social media to express their discontent. The divide between Lyles and the NBA community grew, with many fans and players alike rooting for the sprinter’s downfall at the upcoming Olympics.
Josh Hart’s Confession: “I Wanted Him to Lose”
As the 2024 Paris Olympics approached, it became clear that Noah Lyles was under immense pressure to back up his comments with a stellar performance. Among those who were skeptical of his chances was Josh Hart, who recently revealed his own conflicting feelings during an episode of the “Roommates Show” podcast.
“I feel like for most of these Olympics, I was very patriotic. I wanted Team USA to win gold in almost every event. … [But] I really wanted him to lose,” Hart confessed. “Damn, I wanted him to lose, boy. I think this was the first time all of NBA Twitter banded together and was just hating. I was hating.”
Hart’s words resonated with many within the NBA community who had grown weary of Lyles’ outspoken nature. The sprinter’s confidence was perceived by some as arrogance, and his challenge to the NBA’s perceived supremacy struck a nerve among basketball’s elite.
Lyles’ Redemption: A Victory for the Ages
However, when the moment of truth arrived, Lyles delivered in spectacular fashion. Competing in the men’s 100-meter final, Noah Lyles crossed the finish line in 9.79 seconds, a personal best. The victory was far from easy; Noah Lyles narrowly edged out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by a mere five-thousandths of a second, showcasing his grit and determination on the biggest stage in sports.
The victory not only earned Lyles his first Olympic gold medal but also forced many of his critics to reconsider their stance. Hart, in particular, had a change of heart after witnessing Lyles’ triumph.
“I was just like, ‘Damn, you know what? Respect. I can’t even hate anymore,'” Hart admitted on the podcast, acknowledging that Lyles’ performance had won him over.
“I really wanted him to lose.” 😅
– Josh Hart on Noah Lyles
(Via @Roommates__Show / https://t.co/rgqcqEELxR) pic.twitter.com/R5UUQ9HPHB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2024
The Aftermath: A Divisive Figure Gains Respect
In the immediate aftermath of Lyles’ victory, Josh Hart took to social media to defend the sprinter against further backlash from NBA fans. “Lol, nah, he’s an Olympic gold medalist. He can talk for life,” Hart tweeted, signaling his newfound respect for the sprinter.
Lol na he an Olympic gold medalist. He can talk for life 😂 https://t.co/f18joDmXRj
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) August 4, 2024
However, it remains unclear whether Lyles’ other NBA detractors have experienced the same change of heart. While Hart’s defense of Noah Lyles suggests a growing acceptance of the sprinter’s controversial comments, the broader NBA community may still be divided on the issue.
Noah Lyles’ journey from controversial figure to Olympic champion highlights the complexities of modern sports culture. His initial remarks about the NBA’s “world champion” title sparked a necessary conversation about the globalization of sports and the meaning of true championship status. While his comments were polarizing, they also challenged long-held assumptions and pushed the boundaries of what it means to be the best in the world.
Lyles’ victory in Paris serves as a reminder that words alone do not define greatness—actions do. By winning Olympic gold, Noah Lyles has proven that he is not just a talker but a performer on the world’s biggest stage. His success will likely continue to stir debate, but it also cements his place in sports history as a champion who dared to speak his truth, regardless of the consequences.
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