World Athletics Championships 2025: Defending Champion Noah Lyles Reveals Major Concern Ahead of 200m

Noah Lyles has revealed one major disadvantage he has in the 200m going into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The triple world champion faced an injury setback earlier this season and has been unable to compete as much as he would love to, citing that as a major challenge as he heads to Tokyo.

As the defending champion in the 100m and 200m, all eyes will be on Noah Lyles to deliver. Despite having all the confidence needed to succeed, not having achieved his season’s targets might slow him down.

Noah Lyles has competed in four 200m races this season, starting with the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco, where he claimed the win.

The reigning Olympic 100m champion then went ahead to compete in the heats and final of the 200m at the US Championships before winning the Diamond League Meeting final in Zurich.

The two-time Olympic 200m bronze medallist revealed that he is used to running at least five or six 200m races before a major championship.

He added that it is essential for him to identify what needs to be thoroughly worked on and also get a chance to plan how to win a race when it matters the most.

“Well, I need 200 races before we get into Tokyo. I think this will be my fourth one for the season. Usually, I have five to six before going into a championship,” Noah Lyles said in a previous interview shared by Flo Track on YouTube.

“So, I have to run. I mean, you want more opportunities to map out your plan. So, if you could practice your plan more times than not, I'm going to choose more.”

Noah Lyles will step on the track for his first 200m at the World Athletics Championships 2025 on September 17, and despite the concern, he hopes to maintain the momentum to the final and successfully defend his title.