Noah Lyles has never been one to play it safe. He has dominated the 100m and 200m sprints with blistering speed and bold personality, bringing the kind of swagger that makes headlines. But now, the American sprint star has his sights on an event far outside his usual playground. The grueling 400m! The very race that tests not just speed, but also endurance, mental toughness, and that brutal last stretch where even the best sprinters start to fade.
Lyles recently sparked a frenzy when he casually hinted at giving the 400m a shot during a conversation on his podcast, Beyond the Records. Sitting down with Rai Benjamin and 400m specialist Vernon Norwood, Lyles admitted, “It will come one day,” setting off a wave of reactions from fans. While Norwood encouraged him to go for it at USA’s, Benjamin calculated that Lyles could hit the first 200m in a comfortable “21.2 or 21.3.” Lyles’ response? A confident, “Easy.” But fans aren’t buying it.
While some are curious to see him try, others think he should stick to what he does best, dominating the shorter sprints. Lyles only fueled the debate further when he took to X and tweeted, “Did a 400m workout yesterday, and I’m not going to lie… I think I need to run a 400 soon.” It was a casual admission, but for track and field fans, it was enough to set social media ablaze.
Did a 400m workout yesterday and I’m not gonna lie… I think I need to run a 400 soon
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) March 29, 2025
Some felt intrigued and wondered how his top-end speed would translate over the grueling lap. Others, however, were quick to remind him that the 400m wasn’t just about raw speed; it’s a brutal combination of endurance, strategy, and pain. Vernon Norwood, a seasoned 400m runner, didn’t sugarcoat things when Lyles brought up the idea on Beyond the Records.
He made it clear that if Lyles ever steps onto the track for a 400m, he has to go all in. “If he gets named for a relay spot without proving himself, people will come for him,” Norwood warned. Lyles didn’t deny it, but emphasized that when he does commit, he’s going all the way. “I don’t want to half-ass it.” And while Lyles seems determined, Rai Benjamin had his theory on how to get him to push even harder.
“Put a baton in his hand, and he’ll run even faster,” he joked, knowing full well that a relay spot would add fuel to the fire. This isn’t the first time Lyles’ potential in the 400m has stirred controversy. Before the Paris Olympics, officials threw his name into the 4x400m relay discussion, sparking major backlash. Critics, including Fred Kerley, slammed the move, calling it favoritism.
“Y’all play favoritism like mf. Y’all like puppets. For sure, yes men,” Kerley fired off on social media. Even with all the noise, Lyles stayed diplomatic, stating that relay decisions were up to the coaches. But with his renewed interest in the 400m, fans are once again questioning whether he truly belongs in the event or if he’s better off staying in his lane.
Fans sound off: Noah Lyles’ 400m ambitions met with skepticism
Fans have made it brutally clear that they are not sold on the idea of Lyles stepping up to the 400m. Some are willing to give him credit if he even attempts the challenge. Drawing comparisons to one of the greatest Olympic legends. “Michael Johnson is the greatest Olympic runner of all time because of his 200 + 400 achievement. You start running the 400, and I will give you the utmost respect for even doing okay… let alone getting gold!”
Michael Johnson’s legacy in the event is unmatched. When he defended his Olympic 400m title in 43.84 seconds, he cemented his place in history. But while Johnson made it look effortless, the reality was far from easy. Lyles may have speed, but mastering the 400m requires a level of endurance and race strategy that few can handle. Others, however, didn’t hold back on warning him of the sheer agony that comes with the event.
“Don’t do it; the pain isn’t worth it ,” one fan pleaded, summing up what every 400m runner has experienced. And then, of course, some fans didn’t worry about Lyles making an impact, especially with rising stars in the mix. “Quincy Hall has entered the chat ,” a fan joked, reminding everyone that the 400m is already stacked with serious talent. Quincy Wilson, known for his fierce competitiveness, has been on a mission in 2024.
Proving his dominance at the New Balance Nationals with a blistering 45.71. If Noah Lyles is serious about the 400m, he’ll have to go through guys like Hall first. And if that wasn’t enough, fans also pointed to the global competition he’d face. “Be ready to face our brothers from Botswana.” Another fan had a different condition before entertaining Lyles’ 400m ambitions. “Beat Tebogo in the 200, then perhaps we can think and talk about the 400; otherwise, stick to the workout.”
Letsile Tebogo has already proven himself on the world stage, but even he recently learned how brutal the 400m can be. When he attempted it at the Maurie Plant Meet, he fell short against Bayapo Ndori, a seasoned 400m veteran who reminded him—and the world—that experience matters in this event. If a talent like Tebogo can struggle to dominate the 400m, where does that leave Noah Lyles? Share your thoughts in the comments. What is your take on this?
The post Noah Lyles Advised to Stay in Lane as Track and Field Fans Make Brutal Assessment Over Olympian’s Future Plans appeared first on EssentiallySports.