Noah Lyles is determined to put his Tokyo Olympics disappointment behind him as he gears up for the Paris Olympics, with the goal of filling the void left by the legendary Usain Bolt. Lyles achieved a significant milestone by winning triple gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hailed Lyles as an “absolute rock star,” a title reinforced by Lyles’ lucrative contract renewal with Adidas, which is comparable to Bolt’s historic deal with Puma. The 27-year-old American’s journey and charismatic personality were prominently featured in Netflix’s docuseries “Sprint.”
“You have to have the mindset of a god,” Lyles proclaimed in the documentary. “I’m a true believer in that the moment isn’t bigger than me, the moment was made for me.” While such confidence is typical among elite athletes, Lyles’ bold statements have sparked controversy, particularly among NBA players and their fans after he questioned their “world champions” status.
Lyles is laser-focused on improving his performance at the Tokyo Games, where he won a bronze medal in the 200m. “That bronze still burns a hole in my chest,” he confessed after clocking a personal best of 9.81 seconds in the 100m at the London Diamond League. “I will be carrying it around during Paris just to remind me that this is not the color we are coming back with.”
His London victory has bolstered his confidence, leaving him undeterred by the competition, including Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson, who recorded the year’s fastest time of 9.77 seconds. “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?”
Having battled chronic asthma as a child, Lyles feels fully prepared for the challenges ahead in Paris. “The more eyes on me, the better I perform, or at least that’s what my therapist says. When the TV cameras are on me and people are there, I am not losing.”
In addition to his individual events, Lyles plans to compete in the 4x400m relay at the Olympics, aiming to expand his medal collection. His selection for the 4x400m relay squad at the World Indoors in Glasgow, after winning silver in the 60m, caused a stir and accusations of favoritism. “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 remarked.
Usain Bolt, who retired in 2017 with 11 world and eight Olympic golds, has recognized Lyles’ accomplishments. “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. “I am the guy who wants to move past being track-famous. I want people to see me on the track, but in GQ and my docuseries, and realize I’m a cool guy too.”
Lyles understands that maintaining consistent victories is crucial to sustaining his status. “Medals are the first step because then people pay attention to you. Then you can go in different directions: fashion, music. You can start collaborating with other people, artists and the world.”
To continue drawing attention and building a legacy similar to Bolt’s, Lyles needs to secure multiple gold medals at global events. The Paris Olympics offer him a prime platform to showcase his prowess and reinforce his status as a top sprinter. With his eyes set firmly on the Paris podiums, Lyles is ready to prove that he can meet and exceed the high expectations placed upon him.
Lyles’ journey from a talented young sprinter to a world champion has been marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His rise to prominence was not without challenges, including health issues and the pressure to succeed in a highly competitive field. However, his victories in Budapest and subsequent performances have cemented his reputation as a formidable athlete.
As Lyles prepares for the Paris Olympics, his training regimen focuses on honing his speed, technique, and mental fortitude. He has been working closely with his coaches to perfect his starts, maintain his peak speed, and ensure that he can deliver when it matters most. His commitment to his craft is evident in his disciplined approach and his willingness to push himself to the limit.
In addition to his physical training, Lyles places a significant emphasis on mental preparation. He believes that a strong mindset is essential for success in athletics. “The mental aspect of racing is just as important as the physical,” he explains. “You have to believe in yourself and your abilities. When you’re on the starting line, you need to have complete confidence that you can win.”
Lyles’ journey to the top has also been marked by a desire to inspire the next generation of athletes. He frequently engages with young sprinters, offering advice and encouragement. He hopes that his story will motivate others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
As the Paris Olympics draw closer, Lyles is more determined than ever to make his mark on the world stage. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, confidence, and hard work. With the world watching, Lyles is poised to prove that he is more than capable of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Usain Bolt and carving out his own legacy in the world of athletics
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