‘I’m the man,’ says Lyles as he prepares to face Coleman

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) – Noah Lyles has left the highlight to the 100 meters rivals at the US nationwide/world trials to date this week, however that may change on Saturday.

Lyles, who has run sooner at 200 meters than any man since Jamaican Usain Bolt gained the 2012 Olympics, will start the chase for a spot on the American crew for September’s world championships in Doha.

World 100m silver medallist Christian Coleman seemingly awaits in Sunday’s last, however first each should undergo rounds on Saturday and Sunday’s semi-finals.

Lyles believes he’s “the person” within the occasion, however in an interview with Reuters rapidly added a cautious tone.

“I really feel like the person, however I don’t wish to be immodest within the thought that simply because I feel I is likely to be unbeatable, I can’t be beat,” the 22-year-old stated.

“As a result of the day I feel I can’t be beat is the day that I’ll slip up and someone will come and beat me.”

It occurred in Rome in early June when world 400 meters favourite Michael Norman ended a three-year win streak by Lyles.

“To be trustworthy, we skilled a lot for the 100 that my 200 wasn’t perfected but,” Lyles stated.

“You noticed what occurred in Lausanne after I perfected the 200,” the proud sprinter added.

That’s when the American ran a shocking 19.50 seconds. Solely three males, together with report holder Bolt, have been sooner.

SUNDAY CLASH

Now comes the potential showdown with Coleman, which can shut down the four-day assembly on Sunday.

On paper, it’s a Lyles’ win since Coleman’s greatest within the occasion is nineteen.85 seconds in 2017.

However this can be a budding rivalry and Coleman, with a yearly better of 19.91, has stated all week he believes he could be a participant within the longer occasion.

“We’re two guys simply out right here working, and each of us wish to be one of the best,” Lyles informed Reuters.

“Typically you make buddies out right here, typically you don’t,” added the assured runner, whose type contrasts with the extra reserved Coleman.

After Lyles gained their solely assembly this 12 months, a 100m in Shanghai, Coleman tweeted: “A few of y’all received the sport tousled. The secret is World medals. However PRin in Might is cool for social media doe.”

Requested about their relationship just a few days later, Lyles informed NBC Sports activities, “He simply by no means preferred me. I don’t know. You’ll be able to’t like everyone.”

“I’d say it’s a rivalry,” Lyles added this week.

And one that’s good for athletics, he declared.

“There may be nothing within the sport that makes it extra enjoyable if you assume you’ll be able to win, however there’s nothing sure,” Lyles stated.

“It’s thrilling, and it makes everyone else excited too.”

Whether or not Sunday’s race can be thrilling time-wise, Lyles, who’s planning to quickly colour his darkish hair grey, is just not positive.

“The target is to make the crew,” he stated, “but when I present up on the road within the finals and I’m like, ‘Hey Coach, I’m feeling like one thing can occur,’ and he’s like ‘Let’s go and do it’, then we’re going to exit and do it.”