SAINT-DENIS, France — His braggadocio might rub some the wrong way. His calculated theatrics and thirst for attention might make him seem a bit less reverential. His arrogance might even make some root against him.
But what always takes precedence in the realm of banter is backing it up. Hubris is easier to swallow when justified.
Noah Lyles’ mouth wrote the check. His feet just cashed it.
In a most epic final, certainly, among the deepest in Olympic history, Lyles won in a photo finish. By five-thousands of a second. The closest race since Athens 2004.