The Met Gala is back, but where is Noah Lyles? The track star, known for his bold fashion statements, is nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, Sha’Carri Richardson is making major moves, securing a spot on the event’s host committee. Is this the moment track and field finally takes center stage in high fashion?

One resounding success after another, be it the Youth Olympics or the World Championships, Noah has established himself as a track sensation among the top victors. His exceptional running speed in both 100m and 200m events, along with numerous Diamond League victories and relay triumphs, has elevated him to international track star. Sha’Carri Richardson has taken the sprinting world by fire because she holds the title of the fastest female 100m runner with her record-breaking 10.65-second personal best. Richardson is taking her fame beyond track racing as she has successfully joined the lineup for the fashion elite event known as the Met Gala.

From jaw-dropping fashion statements to historic athletic feats, Noah Lyles does it all. I mean, we sure do remember his cameo at the New York Fashion Week in 2024! His accessory game is on point too! With pearls in his hair, he achieved that Olympic glory in style. From questioning the worth of a 200$ shirt, to becoming such a fashion icon, the 27-year-old has come a long way.

In a video alongside his Jamaican girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, Lyles shared his surprise, saying, “About to head to our fitting for our first show. And I got the news popped on me that I will be walking and not watching. So you’re now looking at the model Noah Lyles and a spectator, Junelle Bromfield.” Lyles isn’t just showcasing clothing; he’s redefining what it means to be a modern track star. Richardson said, “Our style isn’t just what we wear — it’s how we move, how we own our space, how we tell our story without saying a word.” Fashion is more than just aesthetics—it’s a form of self-expression and confidence.

Track stars achieve greatness, yet their impact remains unseen

The 2023 competitive year was highly eventful for Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles. The 2023 World Championships brought success to the athletes. The season began brightly for Richardson when she collected two world championship gold medals. She ended her season with an eighth-place finish in the 100m Diamond League finals followed by her withdrawal from the 200m. Lyles had to suffer some heartbreak as well.

Noah Lyles discovered he had contracted COVID-19 before running in the Paris Games 200m event. Although ill, he finished in third place with 19.70 seconds in the event. Lyles exited the 4x100m relay in addition to withdrawing from his competition. After ending his season at the US Open, the Olympic champion said, “We decided that after the COVID situation, we are just going to call it there.”

During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Florida native reached his full potential. He won the 100m gold by defeating Kishane Thompson of Jamaica by a narrow five-thousandths of a second margin. This tight Olympic race was recorded as one of the shortest finish times in history. It proved Lyles has outstanding physical endurance during crucial moments. Despite such feats, track and field stars are often sidelined.

Even after setting the track and occasionally, the runway on track, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson couldn’t secure their spots on the Sports Illustrated list of the 5o most influential figures in sports.  It was truly heartbreaking for all fans and admirers. The community wants to understand why track and field athletes perform outstandingly yet fail. What are your thoughts?