The sprinting world is bracing for a blockbuster showdown on July 11 at the Monaco Diamond League as Noah Lyles returns to his signature event, the 200 m.
But standing in his way is none other than Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, whose 23-month unbeaten streak over the American threatens to derail Lyles’ long-held dominance in the half-lap race.
A Streak Born from Greatness
In 2018, a young, fearless Lyles burst onto the Diamond League stage, lighting up meets in Doha, Eugene, Lausanne, Monaco, and Zurich. His dynamic turns and blistering finishes announced him as the heir to sprinting’s global throne.
The following year, he got even faster, winning in Shanghai, posting a scorching 19.50s in Lausanne (the fourth-fastest ever), and becoming the first man to claim Diamond League titles in both the 100 m and 200 m in a single season.
After the pandemic pause, Lyles reignited his dominance in 2022, tearing through fields in Doha, Monaco, Lausanne, and Zurich. In 2023, he clocked a world-leading 19.47s in London and closed the Diamond League season with a 19.80s win in Zurich. Nine straight 200 m wins.
The New Threat
But every streak meets its challenger. And for Lyles, it came in the form of Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tebogo twice humbled the American sprint king.
In the semi-finals, Tebogo surged ahead in 19.96s, while Lyles followed in 20.08s. The final was no different, Tebogo blazed to gold in an African record 19.46s, while a flu-stricken Lyles settled for bronze with 19.70.
The stats paint a sobering picture for Lyles. In 2024, across eight 200 m races, he bested Tebogo’s fastest time only once, a commanding 19.53s at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Meanwhile, Tebogo’s current 2025 world lead stands at 19.76s from the Prefontaine Classic, a mark Lyles has yet to test this season after skipping the meet due to a minor ankle concern.
Notably, the last time Lyles crossed the line ahead of Tebogo was 23 months ago at the 2023 Anniversary Games in London. There, Lyles stormed to a 19.47s victory over Tebogo’s 19.50s, both men delivering one of the fastest races in history.
More Than Just a Streak
Monaco isn’t just another Diamond League stop for Lyles. It’s a crossroads. With five Diamond Trophies already secured, another win would tie him for the all-time record alongside Renaud Lavillenie and Christian Taylor.
But beyond silverware, it’s about regaining rhythm and confidence ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Adding to the tension is Jamaican sprint star Kishane Thompson, who recently fired a warning shot with a blistering 9.75s at the Jamaican Championships, becoming the sixth-fastest man in history.
Thompson, edged by Lyles by just 0.005s in the 2024 Olympic 100 m final, is eager for a rematch.
Off-Track Distractions and Stakes
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Lyles off the track either. A much-publicized 50-yard/100 m exhibition against NFL star Tyreek Hill in Times Square was canceled for “personal reasons,” with Hill mocking Lyles online, leading to criticism from fans and denting Lyles’ reputation.
To add to the intrigue, the sprinter has wiped his Instagram clean ahead of his Monaco appearance, a sign that he’s locked in, refocused, and intent on rewriting the narrative.
The upcoming Monaco Diamond League is set to be more than a battle for bragging rights. It’s the ultimate tiebreaker, a test of legacy versus momentum.