“In the back of your mind, remember, well I’ve got my party in two weeks, I hope everyone remembers.” That was Chuck Aoki’s cheeky way of reminding everyone about the upcoming Paris Paralympics. And guess what? Noah Lyles, the American track and field sensation, is all in. For Lyles, this event isn’t just another Paralympic Games—it’s a celebration of pure, unadulterated human endurance. So far, it’s been a whirlwind of awesomeness for the reigning world champ.

On August 31, Noah was buzzing with excitement as he cheered on his namesake, Noah Malone, who snagged gold in the T12 100m. “Must be something in the name Noah that makes you fast,” Lyles quipped with his usual flair. But hold onto your hats because Noah wasn’t done yet. Less than 24 hours later, he was back at it, showering praise on another Paralympic star whose achievement had once been his own.

Last year in Budapest, Lyles stole the show with three gold medals in individual events and the men’s 4x100m relay. And who could forget that iconic “3 Peat” jacket? Now, fast forward to Paris, where Roderick Townsend just claimed gold in the high jump T47. Townsend, who also triumphed in Rio and Tokyo, is officially a three-time champ—a feat that had Lyles keeping a close eye.

When Team USA celebrated Townsend’s epic high jump on X, Lyles couldn’t resist adding his own touch of praise: “Call him SIRE 🤴🏾.” He didn’t stop there; he also shared the NBC Olympics & Paralympics’ post about Townsend’s achievement.

Despite his calm demeanor off the field, Roderick Townsend is known for his eye-catching hairstyles and impressive records in both long and high jump. Much like Noah Lyles, Townsend loves to show off his colorful hair, drawing inspiration from various sources. At the Men’s High Jump T47 finals, he sported a funky new do with abstract faces that added to his already vibrant presence. With a collection of world championship medals, Townsend’s accolades place him alongside the world’s fastest man, showcasing a level of achievement that’s nothing short of legendary.

And the similarities don’t stop there. While Noah Lyles finds both solace and romance in the arms of sprinting enthusiast Junelle Bromfield, Roderick Townsend’s wife, Tynita, also comes from the world of athletics, making them a power couple in their own right, much like Lyles and Bromfield. The six-time world champion’s enthusiastic support for Townsend adds a perfect touch to this story. This isn’t Lyles’ first time championing a Paralympian; he’s long been a prominent advocate for these extraordinary athletes.

Noah Lyles picks up the para-athlete at a critical juncture 

Noah Lyles really knows a thing or two about pushing past limitations in sports. After clinching his first Olympic gold in Paris, he shared, “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!” Those words of wisdom might have come into play when Nick Mayhugh sought Noah’s guidance.

At the Tokyo Paralympics, Nick Mayhugh stole the show with three gold medals. But after the games, he reached out to Lyles, hoping to benefit from the expertise of Lyles’ coach, Lance Brauman, to prepare for competitors who might not face the same physical challenges. However, Brauman had never coached a para-athlete before, which complicated matters. That’s where Noah Lyles stepped in.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 200m Semi-Finals – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 07, 2024. Noah Lyles of United States before the race. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Nick Mayhugh recalled Noah Lyles saying, “Honestly, it’s an Adidas camp. You’re a Paralympian, and we don’t have any Para guys. It’s an Olympic track … but I’ll do what I can.” Lyles then connected Mayhugh with his coach, Lance Brauman, who had primarily mentored Olympians but agreed to take a chance on Mayhugh. This move transformed Mayhugh’s path to the Paris Paralympics, where he competed in the 100-meter dash and long jump. “Even though he’s younger than me, I look up to him,” Mayhugh said of Lyles. “He’s a big sense of encouragement for me. He’s not one to cower in any situation.”

The results were fantastic. Mayhugh found renewed motivation and a bridge between para-athletes and their able-bodied counterparts. His mantra, “IRON SHARPENS IRON,” reflects his successful training with Lyles and underscores the mindset of true champions. It also inspired him to aim high, declaring, “As long as I outperform the man who was in Tokyo, mentally and physically, then I will leave Paris a happy man.”

Noah Lyles continues to prove why he’s a standout in men’s athletics. His support for fellow athletes, whether they’re facing physical limitations or not, showcases his commitment to the sport and the champions within it. What do you think of his support in the para-athlete’s journeys?