Noah Lyles gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics led to a broadcasting mix-up, with NBC announcer Leigh Diffey admitting his mistake. Diffey initially declared Kishane Thompson of Jamaica as the winner of the 100 meters, but the event ended in a close photo finish, with Lyles emerging as the actual gold medalist. Diffey later acknowledged the error, saying, “I got it wrong,” following the confusion over the thrilling race outcome.
NBC’s Leigh Diffey Apologizes for Miscalling Noah Lyles Gold Medal Finish
In a social media statement on Monday, Diffey, NBC’s regular IndyCar play-by-play announcer who is announcing his sixth Olympics and second track and field tournament, apologized for his hasty decision to proclaim a winner.
“The men’s 100 was spectacular and the closest of all time! “My eyes and instinct told me Kishane Thompson had won,” Diffey wrote. “Clearly, that was not the case. I shouldn’t have made such a big prediction, but I really believed he would win. “I got it wrong.”
Leigh Diffey expressed joy for Noah Lyles, celebrating the American sprinter’s growing legacy after his triumph in the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics. Lyles became the first American to win the event in two decades, since Justin Gatlin’s victory. His next goal is to secure the 200-meter title, aiming for a rare sprint double.
Diffey, however, found himself in a spotlight of a different kind. The NBC announcer made an error during his live call of the race, incorrectly declaring Kishane Thompson of Jamaica as the winner. The race had been so close that the finish was determined by a photo, with Lyles ultimately claiming victory. Even Lyles himself appeared uncertain of the outcome, looking at the scoreboard for confirmation.
When asked about the mistake, Diffey chose not to comment further, saying he preferred not to “fuel the fire.” He admitted that, in the heat of the moment, he had relied on his instincts, but was off by a mere 0.0005 seconds. Despite the mix-up, Diffey emphasized that his enthusiasm for Lyles’ win was genuine and that the sprinter’s ongoing success continues to inspire. Lyles’ story is expected to grow even bigger as he heads into his next challenge in the 200 meters, where he hopes to further cement his legacy.
Diffey had handed Thompson the victory only seconds before.
“There’s an Olympic gold medal waiting for somebody,” Diffey remarked as the race started. “Who wants it the most?” … This is a tight call; Jamaica will win! Kishane Thompson is the gold medalist!”
Thompson was also judged to be the winner by Ato Bolden, the NBC analyst who worked with Diffey. As Thompson paced the track, exclaiming “C’mon man!”, Bolden softened his announcement of a winner but felt it was the Jamaican.
“It was a lean at the tape by Thompson, visually we think he got it,” Bolden informed the audience. “They’re working on the photo.”
The cameras then turned on Lyles, and Diffey commented, “Noah Lyles is looking anxiously,” just as Lyles started to exult. Only then did Diffey pronounce the true winner, which was clear from Lyles’ joy.
“This is Noah Lyles! And the outcome had to be decided by a photo finish!” Diffey called. Large periods of quiet ensued while Diffey and Boldon reassembled.
Lyles won in 9.784 seconds, while Thompson was timed at 9.789.
Fred Kerley of the United States won bronze in 9.81 seconds, and Diffey was also cautious to proclaim it, waiting until Lyles hugged his colleague.
Viewers flocked to social media to criticize Diffey’s inaccuracy, and NBC seemed to have altered the call in its replay telecast in the United States during prime time Sunday to make the error less visible.
What was Noah Lyles’ top speed in the 100m?
Noah Lyles’ top speed in the 100m is approximately 43.6 km/h (27.09 mph). He achieved this speed during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
