U.S. Sprinter Noah Lyles Has Fans Saying The Same Thing After Finishing Second In 200M Race

Noah Lyles finished second in the Olympics' 200-meter semifinal on Wednesday, marking his first loss in the said distance in three years. Before the haters criticize the U.S. sprinter, though, his fans quickly came to his defense.

The 200m race is largely considered Lyles' stronger event, especially since the last time he lost in a similar battle was back in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 where he finished third. Having said that, it's definitely quite surprising that he didn't top his heat in the semifinal.

Lyles clocked 20.08 seconds, while Botswana's Letsile Tebogo finished their semifinal heat with the fastest time overall at 19.96 seconds.

While it would have been a cause for concern for some, however, Lyles' supporters reminded everyone that it's just the semifinal and what matters is the final. Not to mention that Lyles also finished second in the 100m semis but eventually won gold.

Lyles has qualified for the gold medal race, and that's what's important.

"He got second in the 100M semi too, wait till the final," a commenter said. A fan added, "Tomorrow’s headline: Noah Lyles wins 200m after losing in semifinals to Letsile Tebogo."

"I don’t think people understand is, the final is all that matters," a social media user furthered.

Another supporter confidently claimed, "Bro relax he is going to win the 200M."

"He did the same thing in the 100M, he’ll be aight!" a fifth fan shared.

It certainly looks like Noah Lyles' fans are confident about the American sprinter's abilities. Now, it's up to him to live up to those expectations.

The 200m final is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 8, at 2:30 pm ET. It will be held at Stade de France in Paris.

Related: U.S. Sprinter Noah Lyles Divides Fans With Olympic Warning To Rivals