SoccerVibes

Blog

  • Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s core strength identified after fast Friday at F1 Monaco GP

    Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s core strength identified after fast Friday at F1 Monaco GP

    Jenson Button spots important Ferrari trait at F1 Monaco GP

    The core strength of the Ferrari has been pinpointed after their unexpected pace on Friday at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix.

    Charles Leclerc was fastest in both practice sessions at his home round, where he famously won for the first time a year ago.

    Lewis Hamilton was third-quickest on Friday afternoon to continue Ferrari’s optimism after Imola, their home race last weekend, where they finally discovered some performance on the Sunday.

    The already unique challenge of the tight and twisting Monaco circuit will have a layer of complexity on Sunday by a new mandatory two-stop rule.

    But Ferrari are well-placed after Friday, and Jenson Button spotted the key to the SF-25’s speed.

    “Even their drivers said that they wouldn’t be quick today,” Button told Sky Sports.

    “Looking at the speed traces, and the sectors where they are quick, they might be running more power today than others.

    “But, still. The car looks good out on track. They are able to get their front tyres working, which is the big thing.

    “We heard from James Vowles at Williams, a lot of teams are struggling for front tyre grip, and getting it in working grip.

    “The Ferrari can. So it has a really good front end, and you need that around a street circuit.

    “That’s where their strength lies at the moment.”

    Saturday qualifying sessions have traditionally been a weakness, for Hamilton in particular, dating back two years through his final Mercedes days.

    But in Monaco he will arrive into arguably the most important qualifying session of the year comfortable with his competitive car.

    Oscar Piastri backed despite F1 Monaco GP crash

    McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, the F1 standings leader, split the Ferraris as the second-fastest on Friday.

    That was despite crashing in FP2 in the afternoon, a rare error.

    “A little moment like that can happen,” Sky Sports’ Naomi Schiff analysed.

    “It was an easy mistake, a little lock-up. And you end up in the wall.

    “It didn’t really cost them anything in terms of time. They came in, a new front wing, and he was straight back out.

    “He’s clearly confident in that car. Around here, that’s what you need. You need confidence that when you stick the car in, it follows what you are doing.”

    Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda were 10th and 11th respectively.

    “It wasn’t a great day for Red Bull, having the Racing Bulls up the road,” said Button, noting the sister team’s Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

    “[Red Bull] seem to be struggling.

    “It looks like, when you watch him drive, that there is a lot of understeer in that car. One thing Max doesn’t like in an F1 car is understeer.”

  • Penei Sewell’s Threat May Have Helped Lions Keep Coach for 2025

    Penei Sewell’s Threat May Have Helped Lions Keep Coach for 2025

     

    The Lions star just came through for Detroit again

    Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) stands in the tunnel before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

    Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) stands in the tunnel before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

    The Detroit Lions are on one of the best runs of sustained success in franchise history. With that being the case, the rest of the NFL is doing its best to chip away at the foundation that’s been laid in the Motor City by cherry-picking coaches off of Dan Campbell’s staff.

     

    With Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson electing to take head coaching jobs elsewhere in the league, Lions star offensive tackle Penei Sewell made sure that he did his part to keep Detroit’s offensive line coach, Hank Fraley, after he interviewed with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive coordinator opening.

     

    Fraley will remain with the Lions moving forward, and despite having nothing but positive things to say about the experience in Seattle, there may have been some extra motivation from Sewell pushing him back to Detroit that fans were unaware of until now.

     

    Being the reason why a dominant offensive lineman like Sewell retires is not something that Fraley would want to have on his conscience. Would the two-time All-Pro have walked away from the NFL for good if Fraley had taken another job? If we’re being honest, likely not, but if Sewell wants to believe he was the difference, then that should be fine with Lions fans.

     

    All that matters now is that Detroit’s offensive line will have the type of continuity that franchises hope for when building a roster. With the Lions having championship hopes, it will be paramount that all parties involved on both sides of the ball in Detroit operate on the same page to reach their goals.

     

    Fortunately, retiring is not something fans have to worry about the 24-year-old doing anytime soon, as he is under contract with the Lions through the 2029 season. With the former top-10 pick only entering the prime of his career, the best is yet to come from Sewell, and he will get to keep learning from Fraley while reaching the goals set for himself and this team.

     

     

    •

  • Kentucky basketball announces new nonconference games for 2025-26 season

    Kentucky basketball announces new nonconference games for 2025-26 season

    The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team has unveiled a compelling non-conference schedule for the 2025–26 season, featuring a blend of historic rivalries, marquee matchups, and intriguing new opponents. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats aim to challenge themselves early and often, preparing for a rigorous Southeastern Conference (SEC) slate and a deep postseason run.

     

     

    A highlight of the upcoming season is the revival of the storied Kentucky-Indiana rivalry. The Wildcats will host the Hoosiers on December 13 at Rupp Arena, marking Indiana’s first visit to Lexington since the 2010–11 season. This game is part of a renewed series that will see the teams face off annually through 2028, alternating between Lexington, Indianapolis, and Bloomington .

     

    Kentucky will also continue its series with Gonzaga, facing the Bulldogs on December 5 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This neutral-site game is the fourth installment in a six-year series between the programs, which is currently tied 2–2. The Wildcats secured a thrilling 90–89 overtime victory in their most recent meeting in Seattle .

     

    Another significant matchup is against Michigan State on November 18 at Madison Square Garden as part of the Champions Classic. This annual event features four of college basketball’s premier programs, and the Wildcats will look to improve upon their 2–2 record against the Spartans in this showcase .

     

     

     

    Kentucky’s non-conference home schedule includes several notable games. On November 21, the Wildcats will host Loyola University Maryland, a team they last faced during the 2011–12 season. Five days later, on November 26, Kentucky welcomes Tennessee Tech, led by former Wildcat and Kentucky Athletics Hall of Famer John Pelphrey. The Wildcats hold a 5–0 all-time record against Tennessee Tech .

     

    December 9 brings a first-ever meeting with North Carolina Central University (NC Central) to Rupp Arena. The Eagles, a Division I program since 2011, have made four NCAA Tournament appearances and finished the previous season with a 14–19 record .

     

    On December 23, Kentucky will face in-state opponent Bellarmine University. This marks the second meeting between the programs, with the Wildcats winning the initial matchup 60–41 during the 2022–23 season. Bellarmine enters a new era under head coach Doug Davenport, following the retirement of his father, Scott Davenport .

     

    Additional Noteworthy Matchups

     

    The Wildcats’ non-conference schedule also features a road game against archrival Louisville on November 11 at the KFC Yum! Center. This early-season clash marks only the third time the teams have met in November, adding intensity to an already fierce rivalry .

     

    On December 20, Kentucky will participate in the CBS Sports Classic, facing St. John’s at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. This neutral-site game adds another high-caliber opponent to the Wildcats’ challenging schedule .

     

    Additionally, Kentucky is slated to participate in the SEC/ACC Challenge, with details regarding the opponent and date to be announced. This event pits teams from the SEC against those from the Atlantic Coast Conference, providing another opportunity for the Wildcats to test themselves against top-tier competition .

     

    Conclusion

     

    Kentucky’s 2025–26 non-conference schedule reflects a commitment to facing formidable opponents and reigniting historic rivalries. With a mix of home games, neutral-site contests, and road challenges, the Wildcats are poised to build a strong résumé ahead of SEC play. Coach Mark Pope’s strategic scheduling aims to prepare his team for the demands of the season and position Kentucky as a contender on the national stage.

     

     

  • Usain Bolt appointed Global Ambassador of Jamaica’s tourism – Jamaica Observe

     

    Usain Bolt appointed Global Ambassador of Jamaica’s tourism

    Olympic legend vows to promote Jamaica in bid to further reduce poverty

    Usain Bolt has been named Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) global ambassador, the Olympic legend vowing to do all he can to continue to promote Jamaica in a manner which will assist in further reducing poverty.

     

    Bolt reiterated his commitment after he was announced in his new official global ambassadorial role by Director of Tourism, Donovan White.

     

    Bush medicine for birds

     

    White made the announcement at the Tourist Board’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations at Devon House in St Andrew on Thursday evening.

     

    “I will continue to represent my country to the best of my ability. I want to thank the Tourist Board and the minister and everyone who has been part of making this happen. We have a deal but we trying to make it a lifetime, right? We going to work on that”, Bolt quipped in his address, eliciting a chuckle from the cheerful audience.

     

    Byles silent on future as term nears end

    The sprint legend further underlined how important representing Jamaica on the global stage is to him.

     

    “You should aways support your country. One of my biggest things is to always try to uplift Jamaica. At the end of the day, this is where we live. One of my biggest things is to promote Jamaica so that we can help to diminish poverty and to uplift the country. I always try to uplift Jamaica because this is a country that has helped to make me who I am, so it is always a pleasure doing good for Jamaica,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer.

     

    Updated provisional list of starters in 2025 Jamaica 2000 Guineas

     

    The legendary Jamaican further welcomed the appointment and reiterated that he is always in favour of trying to see Jamaica move from strength to strength.

     

    “I look forward to making an impact as always, to put Jamaica to the world and to represent the country as best as possible and I will continue pushing to make Jamaica number one. As I said, I always try to keep the flag flying high and to make Jamaica proud. Thanks for the support as always,” Bolt remarked, drawing applause from those in attendance at the JTB’s anniversary celebration.

     

    Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett specially recognised Bolt in his keynote address and hailed the retired sprinter as a distinguished Jamaican son who deserves to be lauded for his contribution to nation building .

     

    Sports Minister Olivia Grange, Efficiency Minister Audrey Marks and State Minister of Tourism Delano Seiveright were among several high profile officials who also attended the event which commemorated the Board and saw Bolt being announced in an official role as JTB global ambassador.

     

     

  • Alabama football countdown to kickoff: No. 99, McCarron to Cooper

    Alabama football countdown to kickoff: No. 99, McCarron to Cooper

     

     

     

    AJ McCarron’s 99-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper gave Alabama a lead in the fourth quarter of the 2013 Iron Bowl, but is now largely forgotten because the Crimson Tide lost the game on the Kick Six.

    : Every day until Aug. 29, Creg Stephenson is counting down significant numbers in Alabama football history, both in the lead-up to the 2025 football season and in commemoration of the Crimson Tide’s first national championship 100 years ago. The number could be attached to a year, a uniform number or even a football-specific statistic. We hope you enjoy.

     

    You’ve no doubt seen the Kick Six by now. And if you’re an Alabama fan, you probably don’t ever want to see it again.

     

    The decisions that led up to that unforgettable Iron Bowl finish have been studied, dissected and relitigated many times in the last 12 years, including in this space. Thus, our topic today is not “Got a second, Nick?” or “There goes Davis!,” but the now largely forgotten play that should be remembered as among the most amazing in Crimson Tide football history.

     

    Alabama had won back-to-back national championships in 2011 and 2012, and by the end of the 2013 regular season had put itself in position for an unprecedented third in a row. The Crimson Tide was 11-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally heading into its showdown with fourth-ranked Auburn (10-1) at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 30, 2013.

     

    The two teams played to a 21-21 deadlock after three quarters, before a punt by Auburn’s Steven Clark pinned Alabama at its 1-yard line with 10:42 to play. The Crimson Tide then went right to the air.

     

    Quarterback AJ McCarron executed a play-action fake to running back TJ Yeldon, dropped into his own end zone, then turned to throw as tight end Brian Vogler and fullback Jalston Fowler picked up a leaping Dee Ford with a double-team block.

    Amari Cooper ran an out-and-up against Auburn cornerback Jonathan Mincy, breaking into the clear just before the ball arrived at the Alabama 38.

     

    Cooper made the catch, then shook off a tackle by Auburn safety Jermaine Whitehead at the 41. Whitehead spun to the ground into the legs of the trailing Mincy, allowing Cooper to break into the clear.

     

    The Alabama receiver jogged the rest of the way to the end zone for the touchdown, giving Alabama a 28-21 lead on what remains the longest play from scrimmage in Crimson Tide football history. McCarron raced down the field with his fist in the air, reaching Cooper to celebrate with him in the end zone.

     

    Here’s video from the SEC on CBS broadcast, with Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson on the call:

     

    Alabama would not score again in the game, with its final three possessions ending in a turnover on downs at the Auburn 13, a blocked 44-yard field goal and, of course, the Kick Six. Auburn tied the game on Nick Marshall’s 39-yard touchdown pass to Sammie Coates with 32 seconds remaining, then a short time later perfectly executed Chris Davis’ 100-plus-yard return of Adam Griffith’s missed 57-yard field goal for the most improbable finish in Iron Bowl history.

    McCarron to Cooper is the only 90-plus-yard touchdown from scrimmage in Iron Bowl history, with Joe Cribbs’ 87-yard scoring run in 1977 the next-longest. In fact, Cooper has Alabama’s two longest Iron Bowl touchdowns on plays from scrimmage, also scoring on a 75-yard pass from Blake Sims in a 55-44 victory in 2014.

     

    Had Alabama won the 2013 Iron Bowl and gone on to a third straight national championship, McCarron to Cooper would have been remembered as one of the defining plays in the program’s history. It would live forever in highlight montages and likely would have been the subject in a Daniel Moore painting.

     

    Instead, the play has been swallowed up by all that happened in the 10-plus minutes of game time afterward. It’s a footnote.

     

    The longest touchdown from scrimmage in Iron Bowl history has been consigned to the proverbial dustbin, along with other great-but-fleeting Crimson Tide moments.

     

    It’s a list that includes Dwayne Rudd’s go-ahead interception return in the 1993 SEC championship game vs. Florida, Jalen Hurts’ 30-yard touchdown run late in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game vs. Clemson and Jaylen Waddle’s four-touchdown masterpiece in the 2019 Iron Bowl.

     

    The one thing all those have in common is that Alabama lost the game. It’s a sad fact of college football — and competitive sports in general — that great performances that occur in wins have much more staying power than those that do not.

     

    But AJ McCarron’s 99-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper is a marvel of execution — from the block, to the pass, to the catch, to the run. And it shouldn’t be forgotten simply because an even longer and more well-carried-out touchdown occurred several minutes later.

     

    Coming Saturday: Our countdown continues with No. 98, the last Iron Bowl ever played at Legion Field.

     

    If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

    By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

     

     

  • U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley suspended by Grand Slam Track following battery charge

    U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley suspended by Grand Slam Track following battery charge

     

    Bronze medalist Fred Kerley of Team United States reacts after competing in the Men's 100m Final on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France.

     

    Grand Slam Track has confirmed that Olympic silver medalist Fred Kerley is suspended and will not be competing at the league’s meet in Philadelphia after he was charged with touch or strike battery earlier this month.

     

    The 30-year-old also missed the meet in Miami at the start of the month. “Grand Slam Track signed racer Fred Kerley is suspended pending the completion of legal proceedings and will not compete in Philadelphia,” a statement from Grand Slam Track said on Friday. The organisation has not yet commented on Kerley’s participation at the final meet in Los Angeles.

     

    Kerley was arrested at a hotel in Dania Beach, Florida, where athletes were staying ahead of the Miami meet, after his ex-girlfriend alleged that he had hit her in the face.

     

    According to a police report, the woman told police that Kerley approached her at the hotel and alleged that Kerley began to argue with her and struck her in the face with a closed fist, causing her nose to bleed.

     

    Kerley’s attorney, Richard L. Cooper, said that the sprinter had been “arrested without thorough investigation by law enforcement. “Fred never battered anyone,” Cooper said in a statement to The Athletic in May. “We are focused on working with prosecutors to show that this arrest was a mistake and no charges should be filed. I am confident in that goal.”

     

    Grand Slam Track, a new track league founded by celebrated Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson and featuring several Olympic medalists, is halfway through its inaugural season after meets in Kingston, Jamaica and Miami. The final rounds in Philadelphia and L.A. are set to take place from May 31 to June 1 and June 27 to 29 respectively.

     

    As of Friday, May 23, Kerley’s profile remains on the competition’s website.

     

    Kerley won a silver medal in the 100m in Tokyo in 2021 and claimed bronze in Paris last summer. He has three world championship gold medals, each in a different event: the 4 x 400m in 2019, 100m in 2022 and 4 x 100m in 2023.

     

    A statement from Kerley on May 4 said: “While there was a physical alteration, my arrest was not due to any criminal act. Rather, it resulted from my decision to exercise remain silent until legal counsel was present. I chose not to speak to law enforcement without my attorney, and for that reason alone. I was booked.

     

    “This experience caught me off guard, but I remain fully committed to clearing my name and cooperating with appropriate parties to resolve it. I take full accountability for placing myself in a situation that allowed for this misunderstanding, and I am taking active steps to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

     

     

  • Warriors ‘determined’ to eradicate familiar pattern as Peet makes honest admission

    Warriors ‘determined’ to eradicate familiar pattern as Peet makes honest admission

     

     

    Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet admits he doesn’t believe the familiar pattern that has emerged is a coincidence, but insists they are keen to kick the habit into touch sooner rather than later.

     

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Notice and Terms of Service apply.

    The reigning Super League champions are the form team in the competition at the moment, having won their last six matches, and looking to make it seven on Saturday against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

     

     

     

    But there is a familiar pattern that has emerged in recent months that the Warriors coach is aware of and keen to eradicate, which is taking a relatively healthy lead in games before allowing the opposition to come back into the contest in the second half.

     

     

     

    It has happened several times so far this season – Las Vegas against Warrington Wolves (W 48-24), the Challenge Cup defeat to Hull FC (L 26-22), Magic Weekend against Warrington (W 22-20) and last time out versus Leigh Leopards (W 36-28).

     

    Peet acknowledged that that the familiar pattern isn’t an anomaly, but it is a habit that they are keen to work on and get rid of as the season unfolds.

     

    Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Catalans, Peet opened up on the honest conversations between the playing group, who are learn from it and be better for it.

     

    “We speak about everything, so we just have a conversation like this,” Peet said. “I don’t believe it’s a coincidence, I probably don’t believe in things like that, it’s a pattern, isn’t it?

     

     

     

    “It’s our job to explore why it’s happened and learn from it, and see where the improvement is, what we need to adjust to change the habit or pattern. I’ve said it many times, that’s the fun part of the job.

     

    “If every game was the same or if somebody cracked it, then you’d just be worried about becoming complacent but we’re certainly not in a position where we can be complacent, we’ve got so much to improve on and I think that’s the exciting part of it, but there is certainly a determination to change that.”

     

    Peet admits there are little side quests which he can challenge his playing group with to help curb the pattern from continuing and to keep them more focused in matches, but it is this aspect of the game which is why Peet loves coaching: getting the best out of his players and helping them learn lessons along the way.

     

    “I think a lot of it comes down to that, to find things to challenge the players, to motivate the players,” Peet continued. “Sometimes it’s collectively and sometimes it’s individually, but there are all sorts you can do and talk about.

     

     

     

    “Some things really click with the players and get a reaction and response, and some don’t, but we do most things just by having open conversations about where we can improve and when I say ‘we’, it’s not just the players, it’s maybe the coaches, the way we’re delivering and practicing, what we’re accepting and what we’re not accepting, and I love that part of the job to be honest.”

     

    Wigan’s Round 12 clash with Catalans takes place at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on Saturday evening, 5:30pm kick-off (UK time). For those not in attendance in Perpignan, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action.

     

     

    National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

  • Shane Beamer Delivers Strong Message About LaNorris Sellers’ Potential in 2025

    Shane Beamer Delivers Strong Message About LaNorris Sellers’ Potential in 2025

     

     

    The South Carolina Gamecocks football program took a major step forward in 2024 — thanks, in large part, to a hometown kid.

     

    Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers grew up in Florence, South Carolina, roughly 80 miles from the state capital of Columbia and the university there. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, Sellers took the SEC by storm, accruing 3,208 scrimmage yards and 25 combined touchdowns.

     

    South Carolina won nine games — its most since 2017 — and finished with its highest Associated Press Top 25 ranking (No. 19) in 11 years. Head coach Shane Beamer does not believe any of it was a fluke and that Sellers will only get better in 2025.

     

    “He continued to get better throughout the year. He’s continued to get better since the season ended, through January, February and then March and April with spring practice,” Beamer said on “Always College Football.”

     

    After splitting the first six games of the 2024 season, Sellers and the Gamecocks ripped off six consecutive wins — including victories over four ranked teams, the Texas A&M Aggies and Clemson Tigers among them. Sellers engineered a late game-winning drive to knock off Clemson on Nov. 30; his 20-yard run with one minute, eight seconds remaining secured a 17-14 victory in the Palmetto Bowl, on a day when he accounted for 330 total yards.

     

    According to Beamer, that win was part of a series of life-changing events for Sellers, who is generating plenty of Heisman Trophy buzz entering the 2025 season. The Gamecocks open the campaign with a visit to Virginia Tech on Aug. 31.

     

    “I think his life has changed a lot,” Beamer said. “You’re the quarterback at the University of South Carolina. You’re already on a pedestal. You’re from South Carolina, an hour down the road from Florence, and you’re even more so on a pedestal. With as good of a player as he is, it’s different.”

     

     

  • Lions have signed all but one of their 2025 NFL draft picks – here’s why

    Lions have signed all but one of their 2025 NFL draft picks – here’s why

     

    Detroit is still waiting to announce the signing of guard Tate Ratledge.

     

     

    The Detroit Lions have gotten to work this offseason, locking down almost every single player they drafted in 2025. They signed every Day 3 pick right before rookie minicamp began, and most recently signed their Round 1 selection, defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, to a rookie scale deal.

     

    Six out of seven Lions draftees are now officially with the team on longer term deals – which leaves just one odd man out.

    Guard Tate Ratledge, who was selected in the 2nd round by Detroit to shore up their offensive line depth, has yet to sign a deal with the team despite participating in camp. This probably means he will eventually sign a deal, but is working out kinks common to 2nd round rookie contracts.

     

    Let’s get into why those contracts can be a bit hairy, and why it doesn’t mean that Ratledge isn’t a lock to be a Lion longterm.

     

    Lions’ rookie contract signings so far, and what it means for Ratledge

    Detroit has locked down the following draft picks ahead of the 2025 season:

     

    This leaves Ratledge on the outside looking in. The guard is a 2nd round pick, which makes negotiating a deal a bit different than that of someone like Williams who would command a deal in the range he received. Ratledge is projected by Spotrac to be for four years and $7.6 million.

     

    Read more: New NFL award will finally give Lions’ Penei Sewell the shine he deserves

    Ratledge could very well compete for a starting role this season, which makes negotiations just a little tricky for the Lions and the rookie as he’s likely seeking a deal like Spotrac’s projection, or even higher, for his services. The former Georgia Bulldog had a grade of 74.4 from PFF, and he could slide in for the departed Kevin Zeitler.

     

    Where Ratledge was picked, therefore, may matter less than why he was drafted. He could very well start, and that would command a contract higher than the anticipated $7.6 million per Spotrac. We’ll see what can get done between the two sides, but it doesn’t seem like there’s any conflict between the rookie and the Lions front office right now in regards to a deal.

     

     

    •

  • Olympic champion Noah Lyles to race 100m at London Diamond League

    Olympic champion Noah Lyles to race 100m at London Diamond League

     

    Noah Lyles of Team United States celebrates winning the gold medal after competing the Men's 100m Final on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France.

    Olympic champion Noah Lyles will race the 100m at the London Diamond League in July.

     

    Lyles has not raced over that distance since the Olympic final last August, a title he won by one five-thousandths of a second from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.

     

    It was the closest men’s 100m Olympic final ever and Lyles’ 9.78sec winning time was the fastest since Usain Bolt’s Olympic record (9.63) in London in 2012. It made him the first US man to win 100m Olympic gold for 20 years, since Justin Gatlin in 2004.

     

    “My road to defending my world titles in Tokyo in September goes through London,” Lyles said. “Ive had great experiences there the last two years, running some of my fastest times, and I look forward to another in July.”

     

    Last summer he won the 100m in London in what was his only appearance at a Diamond League meeting all year — it is the biggest of the meets on the circuit — and final race before the Paris Olympics. Lyles’ 9.81 was not only a PB but meant his winning margin was five-tenths of a second too, clear daylight by sprinting standards.

     

    In 2023, he beat Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in London to win the 200m in a then world-leading time of 19.47.

    HiIt extended his run of consecutive 200m wins to 17 (he jokingly calls this distance his “wife” and the 100m his “mistress”) and he won his third 200m world title that September (19.52) by over two-tenths from American youngster Erriyon Knighton. In fact, Lyles’ 200m streak ended up lasting 26 races across three years between the delayed 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Games — he took bronze in the final in both.

     

    It has been a quiet start to the year for Lyles on the circuit, with him one of the big-hitters missing from Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League.

     

    He competed at only two indoor meets, both times only running the 60m. The 27-year-old did not go to the US indoor Championships to defend his 60m title, nor the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, having won 60m silver in Glasgow the year prior. Instead, Lyles opted to race longer, and in April ran his first 400m as a professional athlete.

     

    A “tight ankle” forced him to withdraw from the Atlanta City Games last week, with Lyles content to “play it safe” because he has wildcards (automatic entries) into the 100m and 200m at the Tokyo World Championships in September after winning both titles in Budapest, Hungary, two summers ago.

     

    He is trying to become the first man since Usain Bolt in 2013 and 2015 to win the 100/200 double at consecutive World Championships — Gatlin in 2005 and Tyson Gay in 2007 were the last Americans to manage that.

     

    Liam Tharme is one of The Athletic’s Football Tactics Writers, primarily covering Premier League and European football. Prior to joining, he studied for degrees in Football Coaching & Management at UCFB Wembley (Undergraduate), and Sports Performance Analysis at the University of Chichester

     

    Hailing from Cambridge, Liam spent last season as an academy Performance Analyst at a Premier League club, and will look to deliver detailed technical, tactical, and data-informed analysis.