I”You’ve Gotta Punch Him in the Mouth” – Justin Gatlin Advises Kishane Thompson, Fred Kerley & Co on How to Stop Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles, the reigning king of the 200-meter dash and triple gold medalist from the 2023 World Athletics Championships, has cemented himself as the athlete to beat on the track. His dominance, charisma, and brash confidence have made him both a fan favorite and a daunting opponent. For aspiring challengers like Kishane Thompson, Fred Kerley, and others in the sprinting elite, defeating Lyles is no easy task. But if there’s anyone qualified to provide guidance on conquering the seemingly unconquerable, it’s Justin Gatlin, a veteran sprinter with Olympic gold and multiple world titles to his name.
Gatlin, known for his gritty determination and ability to thrive under pressure, has been candid about what it takes to challenge the best in the world. In a recent interview, he offered a no-holds-barred piece of advice for the young sprinters eyeing Lyles’ throne: “You’ve gotta punch him in the mouth”—metaphorically, of course.
The Metaphor of the Punch
Gatlin’s comment wasn’t about physical confrontation but the psychological and strategic mindset required to topple a giant like Lyles. “In track and field, especially in sprinting, you don’t just beat someone physically; you beat them mentally. Noah Lyles thrives on confidence. He gets in your head before the race even starts. If you want to beat him, you’ve got to disrupt that aura of invincibility,” Gatlin explained.
This means being fearless and willing to challenge Lyles head-on, not just with speed but with the attitude that victory is inevitable. “When you step on the track with someone like Noah, you can’t be starstruck. You’ve got to make him question himself. That’s the punch I’m talking about—making him feel like he’s in a fight he might not win,” Gatlin added.
Kishane Thompson: The Rising Star
Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, one of the brightest young talents in sprinting, has been a name on everyone’s lips. At just 22 years old, Thompson’s meteoric rise in the 100m has drawn comparisons to legends like Usain Bolt. While his talent is undeniable, he faces a steep learning curve when competing against someone as experienced and seasoned as Lyles.
“Kishane has the raw speed,” Gatlin remarked. “But it’s not just about being fast. He needs to work on his race strategy. Noah knows how to run his race perfectly—whether it’s pacing in the 200m or controlling the start in the 100m. If Kishane wants to win, he has to focus on disrupting that rhythm. He can’t let Noah dictate the race.”
For Thompson, this means embracing a bold approach. Whether it’s exploding out of the blocks in the 100m to force Lyles into catch-up mode or pushing the pace early in the 200m, Thompson will need to execute flawless races under immense pressure.
Fred Kerley: The Proven Champion
Fred Kerley, the 2022 World Champion in the 100m, is no stranger to high-stakes battles. Known for his versatility across the 100m, 200m, and 400m, Kerley has the experience and physicality to challenge Lyles. Yet, in recent showdowns, Lyles has often had the upper hand, particularly in the 200m.
“Fred has the power and the pedigree,” Gatlin said. “But Noah has beaten him by being more strategic. Fred needs to use his strength to his advantage. Make Noah uncomfortable—force him out of his comfort zone.”
For Kerley, that might mean focusing on the 100m, where Lyles has historically been less dominant, and exploiting his own ability to finish strong. “Fred has that top-end speed that few can match. He needs to focus on executing a clean race and putting Noah under pressure early,” Gatlin suggested.
The Mental Game
Gatlin emphasized the importance of mental preparation as much as physical readiness. “Noah is a showman. He thrives on the spotlight. But that can also be his weakness. If you can disrupt his flow—whether it’s by running an unexpected race, staying composed under pressure, or even matching his energy in pre-race banter—you can get the upper hand.”
This psychological warfare is an area where Gatlin himself excelled during his career. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to rise to the occasion, Gatlin believes that confidence is the key. “You can’t go into the race thinking about how great Noah is. You have to believe you’re better—because if you don’t, you’ve already lost.”
What Makes Noah Lyles So Dominant?
To understand how to beat Lyles, it’s essential to understand what makes him so formidable. Lyles’ combination of raw speed, technical precision, and unshakable confidence sets him apart. His ability to peak at the right time—delivering his best performances on the biggest stages—has made him a serial winner.
“Noah’s greatest strength is his consistency,” Gatlin explained. “He knows how to execute his race plan every single time. He doesn’t make mistakes, and he knows how to handle pressure. That’s what makes him so hard to beat.”
Lyles is also a master of the 200m, where his ability to maintain top-end speed through the curve and into the straightaway is unmatched. For competitors like Thompson and Kerley, finding a way to challenge Lyles in this discipline will require near-perfect execution.
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 Paris Olympics loom, the battle between Lyles and his challengers promises to be one of the highlights of the Games. For Thompson, Kerley, and others like Erriyon Knighton, Christian Coleman, and André De Grasse, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Gatlin’s advice—bold and unapologetic—is a reminder of what it takes to be the best in the world. “It’s not just about running fast. It’s about making a statement. If you want to stop Noah Lyles, you’ve got to step on that track believing you’re going to win. No doubts, no hesitation—just the will to fight and the guts to punch first.”
For sprinting fans, the prospect of these battles is thrilling. Will someone rise to the occasion and dethrone Lyles? Or will the reigning champion continue his reign of dominance? The answers will come on the track, where every race is a test of speed, strategy, and the unyielding spirit of competition.
One thing is certain: the path to victory runs through Noah Lyles—and his challengers will need to bring their best punches to the fight.