In an electrifying display of speed and sportsmanship, three-time Olympic medalist Noah Lyles faced off against Twitch streaming sensation IShowSpeed in a thrilling 50-meter dash for a whopping $100,000 prize. The unlikely matchup, orchestrated by YouTube star MrBeast, showcased the competitive spirits of both the world-class athlete and the charismatic internet personality.
The Viral Challenge
The stage was set when IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., received a surprise FaceTime call from MrBeast during a live stream. Watkins, known for his energetic personality and massive online following, wasted no time in challenging Lyles to a race.
Lyles, fresh off his historic gold medal victory in the 100-meter dash at the 2024 Paris Olympics, confidently accepted the challenge. “When you wanna lose, man?” he quipped, standing beside MrBeast with a tub of cash emblazoned with “$100,000.”
The Showdown in Orlando
Watkins made the three-hour drive from Miami to Orlando, Florida, where Lyles and MrBeast awaited him at a track facility. As the two prepared to line up for the 50-meter dash, Lyles offered some sage advice to his opponent.
“After the second step, you will lose all hope and you want to stop the race. Do not stop this race, run through the line.”
Noah Lyles to IShowSpeed before the race
As the starting gun fired, the two sprinted down the track, with Lyles quickly pulling ahead and playfully mocking Watkins’ running form before crossing the finish line first.
The Rematch and Training Offer
Despite the clear outcome, Watkins claimed the race was a tie, prompting a video review that confirmed Lyles’ victory. Undeterred, the streamer requested a rematch, which Lyles declined. However, the Olympian extended an intriguing offer to his new rival.
“You should practice with me, and then at the end of the week we’ll race again. … And then you’ll be faster, you’ll know what to do, you’ll have the technique, you’ll have an advantage and then we can run the real man’s race: the 100.”
Noah Lyles offering to train IShowSpeed
Reactions from the Sports World
The viral race caught the attention of NFL star Tyreek Hill, who had previously challenged Lyles to a race. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the event.
“And track athletes think he gone beat me 😂😂😂”
Tyreek Hill reacting to the race on X
Lyles’ Olympic Legacy
Lyles’ victory over IShowSpeed comes on the heels of his historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he became the first American man to win the 100-meter dash since Justin Gatlin in 2004. His time of 9.79 seconds edged out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by a mere 0.005 seconds, cementing his status as one of the world’s fastest men.
As the dust settles on this incredible crossover event, fans are left wondering if IShowSpeed will take Lyles up on his offer to train together and prepare for a rematch. Regardless of the outcome, this unlikely friendship between an Olympic champion and a streaming star has captured the hearts and minds of millions, showcasing the power of sports to bring people together and inspire friendly competition.
