I'm going to move forward - Disappointed Jamaican Kishane Thompson breaks silence after agonising loss to Noah Lyles

The photo-finish between Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles in the Paris 2024 100m final.

I'm going to move forward - Disappointed Jamaican Kishane Thompson breaks silence after agonising loss to Noah Lyles

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 14:02 - 05.08.2024

Jamaica's Kishane Thompson came into Paris 2024 as the fastest man in the world but was left disappointed after Noah Lyles beat him to 100m gold.

Jamaica's Kishane Thompson went into the Paris 2024 Olympics as the fastest man in the world but was left disappointed after being edged out by American superstar Noah Lyles in the men's 100m final.

Lyles crossed the finish line in a world-leading time of 9.79 seconds, securing America's first Olympic gold in the men's 100m in two decades. 

The final itself was a nail-biter, with Thompson and Lyles clocking identical times of 9.79 seconds.

Narrow Defeat for Thompson

The Jamaican sprinter's disappointment was palpable, as he missed out on gold by a mere 0.005 seconds due to a slower reaction time at the start. 

Jamaican speedster Kishane Thompson was the fastest time in the world this year.
Jamaican speedster Kishane Thompson was the fastest time in the world this year.

Fred Kerley of the USA rounded out the podium with a bronze medal performance of 9.81 seconds.

Following the agonising loss, Thompson expressed his disappointment but remained positive. 

Noah Lyles won his first Olympic gold medal

"I am bit disappointed," he stated according to APnews. "But I am happy at the same time. I am going to take it as what it is and move forward from here."

Thompson went into the Olympics as Jamaica's biggest hope for the 100m title and the main threat to Lyles, who remained vehement in his belief that he was the fastest man in the world. 

Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles desperate to know the winner after the 100m final
Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles desperate to know the winner after the 100m final

However, he had to settle for the silver medal, acknowledging that his countrymen would have wanted him to secure the gold.

"I know that Jamaica would have wanted me to get gold. Everybody loves winners," Thompson added, acknowledging the disappointment of his countrymen.

Man of the moment Noah Lyles after his intense win.
Man of the moment Noah Lyles after his intense win.

The 100m final in Paris 2024 will be remembered as a classic, with the world's fastest men battling it out in a photo finish. 

While Lyles emerged victorious, Thompson's brave performance and his reaction to the narrow defeat have earned him the respect and admiration of fans around the world.

Related content

Tags: