Letsile Tebogo, the Olympic champion in the 200m, stirred excitement on social media platform X on Thursday by calling out two prominent American sprinters ahead of the 2027 season. In a move that adds a touch of off-season drama, he warned Kenny Bednarek, who clinched double gold at the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship, and eight-time world champion Noah Lyles, to prepare for a future where they will be running behind him. Lyles’ swift reply indicates that their rivalry is intensifying before the season even begins.
The 2027 season is coming, and the battle is already on. Always respect to @kenny_bednarek, @LylesNoah but you better be ready to chase 🔋
— Letsile Tebogo (@tebogo_letsile_) November 5, 2026
The exchange
Tebogo asserted that the two U.S. stars “better be ready to chase,” specifically referring to the 200m race, his area of expertise, where sprinters can create a more considerable lead than in the 100m. His comments come shortly after he resumed his off-season training on October 16, suggesting that he is in good shape if he feels confident enough to challenge two of the best sprinters in the world. Lyles, known for his outspoken personality, did not hold back in his response, setting the stage for ongoing drama.
“Oh, did you decide you want to stop playing opossum and actually run through the line,” Lyles remarked on X. “That would be nice.”
@tebogo_letsile_ @kenny_bednarek Oh, did you decide you want to stop playing opossum and actually run through the line…. That would be nice
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) November 5, 2026
Lyles’ reference to Tebogo as a marsupial known for playing dead in challenging situations is deliberate. He alludes to Tebogo’s tendency to ease off before reaching the finish line when he isn’t in a position to win. A notable instance was during the Brussels Diamond League 200m final, where Bednarek dominated the race with a then-world-leading time of 19.62 seconds. Tebogo, who was initially in contention for second place, visibly slowed down, eventually finishing fourth with a time of 20.01 seconds.
Highly-anticipated matchups
Bednarek has recently established himself as the top sprinter globally after a remarkable performance at the Ultimate Championships, where he set multiple world-leading times in the 200m. Meanwhile, Lyles recorded the fastest 100m time of the season at 9.79 seconds before an injury sidelined him prior to the Ultimate Championships. Tebogo remains a contender for the podium in every event he enters. Whenever the three athletes compete together, fans can expect thrilling races.
Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo at 2025 Tokyo World Championships. Photo: Kevin Morris
Looking ahead, Bednarek is set to be the athlete to beat in 2027. Throughout the 2026 season, he consistently outperformed both Lyles and Tebogo, losing only to Lyles when he achieved the 100m world lead at the USATF Championships in July. Lyles subsequently withdrew from the 200m finals a few days later and did not compete for the rest of the season. Following that, Bednarek secured victory in four out of five finals he participated in, showcasing particular dominance in the 200m. Conversely, Tebogo had a less successful year, winning only two Diamond League races, neither of which included Lyles or Bednarek.