Jordan Anthony stole the 60-meter belt from Noah Lyles at the USA Track and Field Indoor Championships on Sunday. Although the latter gave up his title, he refused to relinquish the spotlight.
The biggest villain in track spoiled the moment of triumph.
There is always going to be some trash talk in track and field but this was not that. It was awkward.
Jordan Anthony won the 60-meter title at the USA Track and Field Indoor Championships.
If you do not already know the name Jordan Anthony, let this be your introduction. The California-native started his career as duel-sport athlete at the University of Kentucky as a sprinter and wide receiver. He later transferred to the University of Arkansas to primarily focus on track. It was the correct decision.
Anthony had an incredible breakout season in 2025. He won an indoor national title in the 60m, Southeastern Conference titles in the 100m and 200m, and an outdoor national title in the 100m.
The 21-year-old forwent his remaining college eligibility to turn pro not too long thereafter.
Anthony reached the semifinals of the 100-meter event at the Outdoor Track and Field Championships last summer. Lyles beat him in his heat.
And then the script flipped on Sunday.
Jordan Anthony claimed his first national championship as a professional in Staten Island with a time of 6.45 seconds in the 60-meter. Trayvon Bromell finished second. Lyles, the reigning champ, finished third.
The victory came as a little bit of a surprise.
Lyles did not have the juice to keep up. Anthony is the new king of U.S. sprints!
Noah Lyles refused to let it go.
Jordan Anthony and Noah Lyles train together in Orlando when they are not competing. The rookie overtook the veteran. It was a changing of the guard.
Lyles could not handle the loss.
Although he gave the championship belt to the rightful owner, he would not leave him alone. Anthony kept his head down and continued to wipe the fingerprints off of the belt, hoping Lyles would get the hint. Lyles did not get the hint. He just kept talking and cracking jokes.
Noah sit down dawg and let bro have his moment😐😐😐 pic.twitter.com/GtFticSJg5
— The Erin Brown🕷 (@TheErinBrown) March 2, 2026
Jordan Anthony handled the situation well. When asked about his relationship with Noah Lyles, he had nothing but great things to say.
“I enjoy training with (Lyles). It’s a great mutual relationship between each other. Of course, we’re going to talk smack. The sport is soft if we don’t. So, I’m bringing football mentality. He’s just bringing old age right now.”
That does not mean it wasn’t awkward. Lyles could not give up the spotlight.