Paris 2024: Noah Lyles fails first test as 'World's Fastest Man' with schooling loss to US college champion in 100m heats

Noah Lyles first test of matching his 'World's Fastest Man' claims was met with a wake-up call after losing to British NCAA Champion in the 100m heats at Paris 2024 Olympics.

The American speedster competing in heat 2 as the favourite to conveniently win, was faced with a harsh reality when new British speed sensation Louie Hinchliffe had a perfect start and held on to the finish line for victory in 9.98s.

Lyles's top-end speed wasn't enough to make up for his poor start, but he did just enough to finish second in 10.04s, while South Africa's Shaun Maswanganyi was third in 10.06s, all qualifying for the semifinals.

Despite losing the race, Lyles was all smiles and confident he'd be ready for the semifinals and his goal of winning the Olympic title.

“Was it tougher? It wasn’t tougher. I more expected that they would just fall in line. They took it as ‘If I have one shot, I’m going to take it.’ And to be honest, I should’ve expected that knowing that this is the Olympics. This is my first time in an Olympic 100. But I didn’t. That’s on me. I won’t let it happen again,” said the world 100m champion.

Meanwhile, his fierce rival Kishane Thompson is now the top challenger for the crown following his effortless victory in his heat race clocking 10.00s (+0.6).

The talented Jamaican shut it down 70m into the race, finishing ahead of Ghana's Benjamin Azamati who ran 10.08s, and Reynald Espinosa in 10.11s.

Track fans have been anticipating the mouthwatering clash between Lyles and Thompson, and with the turnout of events in the heats, surely there's more to expect from the speed kings who'll be aiming to give their countries the bragging rights of the Olympic gold medal.