Noah Lyles Adamant Recent Setback Will Not Affect 2025 World Championships Campaign

Olympic champion Noah Lyles has shed light on his recent withdrawal from the Atlanta City Games and the implications on his campaign.

Lyles was poised to compete at the Games on Saturday but withdrew due to an ankle issue.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

The Olympic champion has shed light on the rationale behind his withdrawal and the potential implications on his campaign.

Speaking to NBC Sports at the event on Saturday following his withdrawal from the Games, he said:

"Unfortunately, I just got a really tight ankle. It kind of surprised us. Came around two weeks ago. We came up here thinking that anything could happen. It could loosen up. But we're just like, you know what? It's not getting better. Let's just play it safe," said Lyles, as quoted by Olympics.com.

Reflecting on the season ahead, where he will have to defend his 100m and 200m titles, Lyles revealed that he was in a calm state ahead of the September showdown in Tokyo.

"I got two byes to the World Championship. There's no need to rush anything, so we'll just pull out for today," he added.

Lyles has had a lethargic start to his campaign, yet to take to the track in his favorite 100m and 200m events.

The double world champion began his season with a 60m showdown at the New Balance Grand Prix in February. Since then, he has only raced in the 60m events, with his only outdoor showing being the 400m at the Tom Jones Invitational.

The Atlanta City Games was poised to be his second outdoor outing this campaign.

Lyles has, however, downplayed any claims of the ankle issue jeopardizing his campaign with the 2025 World Athletics Championships in mind.

"No, I don't believe it should. Just a little bit of inflammation, hoping that with time it'll go away, and we'll be right back to business as usual," he concluded.