The men’s 100m sprint scene in 2025 has been very competitive. A quick scan through the world lead list tells you everything you need to know, a staggering 22 men have already clocked sub-10-second times this season. Yet, in the midst of all this blistering pace, one name is conspicuously absent.
With just three months left before the World Championships in Tokyo, the reigning World and Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles, is still missing from the event he’s expected to defend. And his silence on the track hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially with his rivals hitting personal bests and stacking up victories.
As of June 9, 2025, Noah Lyles has run six races this season, four over 60m, one in the 400m, and a single 4x100m relay leg. But crucially, not a single 100m or 200m race, the very events he’ll be chasing medals in come September.
“Everybody Else Is Running, Except Lyles”
In a recent YouTube video titled “Can Noah Lyles Catch Every 100m Threat Before It’s Too Late?”, Coach Rob broke down why this absence is starting to ring alarm bells.
“Everybody else on the world stage who wants to be there at the World Championships has had to run by now, and run multiple races, for the most part,” Coach Rob explained.
“We’re getting a sense of who’s legit and who’s not. And Noah has been completely off the scene.”
To drive his point home, Coach Rob grouped Lyles’ competition into three categories and singled out four men as the biggest threats: Kishane Thompson, Kenny Bednarek, Akani Simbine and Trayvon Bromell.
All four have not only raced multiple times this season but have also consistently dipped below 10 seconds, with Bromell and Thompson joining the sub-10 club in recent weeks after strong performances in Rome and Kingston. Kenny Bednarek, in particular, is enjoying spotless form, having secured a remarkable Grand Slam Track 100m three-peat.
“Regardless of what the clock says when Noah shows up, for the last two years he’s figured out how to be the man in front when it’s all done. But this year, it’s going to be harder than all the rest because there’s a whole bunch of guys gunning for him.” Coach Rob noted.
A Tougher Road Than Ever
Beyond these four, the American sprint scene is equally intense. Fred Kerley has been active and consistent, while emerging names like Jordan Anthony and Brandon Hiclin are posting world-class times. Add to that Lyles’ own struggles with a tight ankle, which forced him out of the Atlanta City Games at the last minute.
Lyles addressed the issue.
“Unfortunately, I just have a really tight ankle. It kind of surprised us a couple of weeks ago. We came up [to Atlanta] thinking anything could happen… [But] it wasn’t getting better, and I need to play it safe.”
While downplaying the long-term impact, the injury has meant another missed opportunity in a season where rhythm and race sharpness are vital.
The London Diamond League
Now, all eyes turn to the London Diamond League, which has emerged as the make-or-break checkpoint for Lyles’ 2025 campaign. Scheduled just weeks before the U.S. Olympic Trials and two months ahead of the World Championships, it stands as one of the last major platforms for Lyles to test himself against global rivals.
The meet carries special significance for Lyles. In 2023, he made his debut there, won the 200m, and then swept the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay golds at the World Championships in Budapest a month later. His goal is to follow a similar trajectory this season.
“My road to defending my world titles in Tokyo in September goes through London,” Lyles recently confirmed.
Final Word
While Noah Lyles has built a reputation for championship-day heroics, this season’s landscape is more crowded and competitive than ever before.
As Coach Rob summed it up:
“If the first half of this season is any indication, winning this championship is going to be harder than anything he’s ever done.”
Fans and rivals alike will be watching the London Diamond League closely.
