Josephus Lyles, the younger brother of the renowned Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles, recently shared an important life lesson he learned from his sibling. Growing up alongside Noah, Josephus had always been a bright student and an athlete in his own right, but it wasn’t until later that he and his brother both entered the world of competitive running. The close bond they share, with only a year separating them, has led them to achieve many milestones together.
Josephus revealed that, although he was always athletic, it was Noah’s approach to success that truly stood out to him. As the younger sibling, Josephus often found himself taking a more cautious approach to his career, but Noah’s influence helped him embrace a more determined mindset. One of the key lessons Josephus learned from Noah was the importance of self-respect and the willingness to ask for what one needs to succeed.
Josephus shared how Noah would never hesitate to ask for anything that could improve his career or personal life. Whether it was a resource or support, Noah would always make sure he got what he needed, regardless of how others might perceive the request. This quality was something Josephus admired deeply, as it showed a high level of self-awareness and determination. He explained that many athletes might shy away from asking for what they need, perhaps fearing it might seem unreasonable. However, Noah’s approach was different: if something could enhance his performance or well-being, he would ask for it, knowing he deserved it.
This attitude, Josephus noted, was not only about getting what he wanted but also about respecting himself enough to recognize his own worth. It wasn’t about waiting for others to offer help; it was about proactively seeking out what was necessary to thrive. Josephus acknowledged that seeing his brother’s determination and self-respect was inspiring and had motivated him to adopt a similar mentality in his own life. He now understands that it’s essential to know what he needs and to have the confidence to pursue it.
However, Josephus’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. One of the most difficult moments in his career came when he failed to qualify for the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar. Despite his hard work, he finished eighth in the semifinal of the 400m and didn’t make the final. This failure had a lasting impact on him, and it took some time before he could overcome the setback. Before this experience, Josephus had always looked up to Noah, wanting to follow in his footsteps and achieve similar success. When Noah secured his spot at the World Championships and went on to win his first individual world title, it was a bittersweet moment for Josephus. He had to grapple with the disappointment of his own failure while watching his brother’s triumph.
Nevertheless, the setback in 2019 eventually became a turning point for Josephus. Instead of continuing to measure his progress against Noah’s achievements, he decided to carve his own path. He realized that his journey was unique, and it was essential for him to define his own goals and work towards them without comparing himself to others. This shift in mindset allowed Josephus to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, inspired by the lessons he learned from Noah but focused on his own individual success.
Through these experiences, Josephus has come to understand that success isn’t just about talent or hard work; it’s also about respecting oneself, knowing what is needed, and having the courage to ask for it. The support and example set by his brother have played a significant role in shaping Josephus’s approach to both athletics and life. Now, with a clearer sense of self, Josephus is focused on forging his own path and continuing to grow in his athletic career, drawing strength from the lessons he learned along the way.
