Noah Lyles is on a mission to assert his dominance on the Olympic track in Paris, aiming to banish the disappointment of his Tokyo performance and fill the void left by Usain Bolt. Lyles’ ambition was clear when he clinched three gold medals (100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay) at the World Championships in Budapest last year. His remarkable feat earned him the title of an “absolute rock star” from World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.
Lyles’ charisma and talent are not limited to the track. At 27, the dread-locked sprinter has also made a name for himself in the entertainment world. His exploits in Budapest were featured in Netflix’s docuseries “Sprint,” showcasing his self-assured persona and quotable soundbites. Lyles is determined to bring track and field back into the public spotlight, embodying a brashness that commands attention.
‘Mindset of a God’
In “Sprint,” Lyles emphasized the mindset required to excel in sprinting, stating, “You have to have the mindset of a god.” He believes that the moment of competition is not bigger than him but made for him. While such confidence is typical among elite athletes, Lyles’ brazen approach has stirred controversy. His remarks questioning the legitimacy of NBA players as “world champions” particularly irked basketball fans.
As Lyles prepares for the Paris Olympics, he is driven by the desire to improve on his Tokyo performance, where he secured a bronze in the 200m. “That bronze still burns a hole in my chest,” he remarked after winning the 100m in a personal best of 9.81 seconds at the London Diamond League. His victory in London has bolstered his confidence, leaving him unfazed by Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson, who clocked a 9.77-second run in Kingston.
“I beat everyone that I touch,” Lyles declared. “I don’t see why the Jamaicans are any different. This is what I pray for, this is what I live for, and I back myself up, don’t I?”
Fame On and Off Track
Lyles, who overcame chronic asthma as a child, thrives under pressure. “The more eyes on me, the better I perform,” he said, crediting his therapist for this insight. His ambitious goal for Paris includes competing in four events, adding the 4x400m relay to his agenda. This decision, however, has not been without controversy. His selection for the 4x400m relay at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow sparked accusations of favoritism within the US federation.
“Let’s just say a lot of people in the US were very, very, very upset that I ran the 4×400, and to that, I would say, ‘run faster, push me out!'” Lyles retorted.
Bolt, who retired in 2017 with 11 world and eight Olympic golds, left a legacy that Lyles aspires to match. Lyles’ sprint double in Budapest, the first since Bolt’s at the 2015 World Championships, drew praise from the Jamaican legend. “Usain Bolt has done it, and him saying to me that he sees what I am doing and he respects it, it is amazing,” Lyles said.
The Path Forward
For Lyles, success on the track is just the beginning. He envisions a future that extends beyond athletics, aiming to venture into fashion, music, and other artistic collaborations. “Medals are the first step because then people pay attention to you,” he noted. Lyles understands that consistent victories are essential to maintaining his spotlight, much like Bolt’s ability to dominate multiple global championships.
As the Paris Olympics approach, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Lyles. His quest for Olympic glory is not just about personal redemption but also about cementing his status as the new face of track and field. With his eyes set on the podium, Lyles is poised to capture the world’s attention once again.
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