Lyles Set for 100m Season Opener at London Diamond League

By Juliet Jerotich 

Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles is set to renew his rivalry with Botswana's Letsile Tebogo in the 100m sprint during Saturday’s Diamond League event in London. This comes just a week after Lyles returned to competition with a commanding 200m win over Tebogo in Monaco.

The race will mark Lyles’ first 100m outing of the 2025 season, as he leads a lineup packed with top-tier athletes. Saturday’s meet will bring together stars who have collectively earned 75 medals across the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, in both individual and relay events.

A full-capacity crowd of 60,000 is expected at London Stadium — the same venue that hosted iconic moments during the 2012 Olympics and now serves as West Ham United’s home ground.

In Monaco, Tebogo acknowledged Lyles' magnetic appeal, noting that fans are drawn to his energy and star power, especially when his face graces event posters.

Tebogo, who captured the 200m title at the Paris Olympics with Lyles finishing third, narrowly lost to the American in Monaco, where Lyles clocked an impressive 19.88 seconds in his first race back from a tendon injury.

Reflecting on his return, Lyles said it was difficult watching the early season from the sidelines, but added that the timing of his comeback aligns well with preparations for September’s World Championships in Tokyo.

"Having a bye for the U.S. Trials reduces the pressure," Lyles explained. "It allows us to focus on fine-tuning and making strategic adjustments during the season."

Representing the host nation in the 100m will be Louie Hinchliffe, world indoor champion Jeremiah Azu, and world bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes. The field also features Jamaican sprinters Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake, along with South Africa’s Akani Simbine, promising a thrilling race.

Women’s 200m

Julien Alfred enters the women’s 200m in top form, fresh off a dominant 100m win in Monaco, where she clocked 10.79 seconds.

As athletes enter the final stretch of world championship preparation, Alfred reflected on the challenges she’s faced.

“This past week wasn’t ideal, but it reminded me I still have areas to improve,” Alfred said after her Monaco victory. “It’s a long season, and since I don’t have trials, I can focus on the details. I’ve decided not to put unnecessary pressure on myself anymore. I’m tuning out the noise and just concentrating on being the best version of Julien.”

The competition will include British sprinters Dina Asher-Smith, Daryll Neita, and Amy Hunt, alongside Brittany Brown—the lone American in the field.