Noah Lyles’ physiotherapist, Dr. Jo Brown, has shared her emotional recollection of the moment Lyles won the Olympic 100m gold medal in Paris, reflecting on the hard work and dedication that led to the achievement. Dr. Brown, who started working with Lyles early in her career, played a crucial role in preparing him for the race, focusing on his technique and physical conditioning. Her tireless efforts paid off when Lyles clinched the victory, crossing the finish line in 9.79 seconds, narrowly ahead of Kishane Thompson. Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley rounded out the podium.
Dr. Brown recalls the moment Lyles was declared the winner with immense pride, though she didn’t collapse in the excitement. Instead, she described her reaction as a moment of disbelief and joy, thinking, “Oh my God, like, we did it.” She had been instrumental in helping Lyles refine his leaning technique, which she identified as a key area to focus on at the start of the season. This technique, which aimed to improve his high-end speed and positioning at the finish line, turned out to be critical in securing his victory.
The journey to the gold medal wasn’t without its challenges for Dr. Brown. As a relatively new physiotherapist, she dedicated herself fully to her work with Lyles, making personal sacrifices along the way. The Olympic year demanded her constant attention, and she often found herself working long hours, away from her family in New Zealand. She noted that the year was both one of the best and one of the toughest in her life, with limited time spent with her husband.
Despite the sacrifices, Dr. Brown has become one of the leading physiotherapists in her field, and her commitment to her athletes has only grown stronger. She is now focused on continuing to work with Lyles, aiming to help him achieve even greater success in the future. With fierce competition from other sprinters, Dr. Brown’s expertise will be crucial as Lyles looks to defend his titles and further solidify his legacy in the sport.
Dr. Brown’s work with Lyles has not only been a professional journey but also a personal one. Having relocated from New Zealand to pursue her career, she expressed a longing to eventually return home and reunite with her family. Despite the distance, she remains deeply connected to her roots, often joking about her potential future role with New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence in the world of sports.
As she continues to work with Lyles and other top athletes, Dr. Brown remains committed to her craft, always striving for new ways to help her athletes perform at their peak. Her partnership with Lyles is a testament to the power of collaboration between athlete and physiotherapist, with the results speaking for themselves in the form of Olympic gold.
