Noah Lyles just clinched his fourth World 200m title, equalling Usain Bolt’s record and once again showed his dominance over Letsile Tebogo. Each time they line up, Lyles seems to find that extra gear in the closing metres, while Tebogo fades slightly in the final stretch.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lyles was crowned 100m champion while Tebogo delivered Botswana’s first ever Olympic gold in the 200m. Since then and before, the American has continued to edge Tebogo head-to-head in the 100m and 200m, including in this year’s Diamond League and now at the World Championships in Tokyo.

Perspective is key though. Tebogo is only 22 and still developing, while Lyles is operating at the very peak of his career. The talented Kanye native has the power and raw speed, but he needs to tighten his execution and maintain focus away from ill social distractions. If nurtured well, his best years are still to come.

By the LA 2028 Olympics, Tebogo should be at full peak and that might be the moment when this rivalry finally tips in his favour. For now, Noah Lyles remains the benchmark.