In the fast-paced world of track sports, you have to bring something special to the table if you want to survive. And that’s exactly what Noah Lyles aims to do. The 27-year-old runner bagged his first-ever Olympic gold in the men’s 100m dash in Paris yesterday, but his popularity in the scene was firmly established even before that. His eccentric personality in the tracks has wooed track connoisseurs all over the world, and even the great Carl Lewis isn’t immune to the charm, as the icon confirmed with EssentiallySports.

With nine gold medals at the biggest sporting event, Lewis is a certified legend who knows what it takes to be at the top of the food chain. Moreover, during his long career spanning four Olympic Games, the veteran has come across all sorts of characters there can be. And yet, meeting Noah was a whole different ballgame altogether.

Carl Lewis stumped by Noah Lyles’ aura

In a conversation with Shreya Verma, EssentiallySport’s Paris Olympic correspondent who collaborated with Tide, the 63-year-old track and field phenom talked about the enigma that Noah Lyles is. The retired Olympian didn’t beat around the bush at all and straightaway admitted that “He’s [Noah] a person with crazy energy…he has some electric energy.” Soon, the conversation took a turn toward the time when Carl got the chance to work with Lyles for Tide’s Paris Olympics commercial.

Upon asking Lewis about his experience of shooting the ad with Noah Lyles, he replied, “Well I think what’s really good about it is that Noah was extremely professional. That’s the thing when you have a young athlete, especially nowadays, um…you’re never sure about that.”

Noting how the conditions and situations of the sport that brought him fame and fortune have changed since his time, Lewis was evidently taken aback by how humble and grounded the reigning men’s 100m and 200m world champ seemed. The icon went on to narrate how their professional collaboration has blossomed into something more personal ever since they worked together. Lewis added, “He was extremely professional. I had a great time with it and we became friends out of that.”

Making it apparent that Noah surprised his decorated predecessor, Lewis also pledged his support for the former for the 2024 Paris Olympics. During shooting for the ad, Carl also got the chance to meet with Noah’s family including Keisha Caine. “He had a lot of his family there and he’s a nice kid he’s a nice family and I really enjoyed it,” said the Willingboro, New Jersey resident. While it’s evident that Lyles left a formidable impression on the legendary track and field star, knowing the former, it shouldn’t have been any different.

Track and field sensation goes all out!

Lyles had talked about his plans for his second Olympics multiple times in the months leading up to the Paris Games. He emphatically claimed that he would haul four gold medals in all events. Without stopping there, Lyles also claimed that snatching Usain Bolt’s seat would be his aim at the 33rd Olympic Games. While the dwindling pressure of the sport often slowly sucks away life from the athletes, Noah is often seen making his high-octane emotions felt right before starting his run.

Along with brightly painted nails and a new hairdo every time, Lyles also believes it’s important to exude confidence as a tactic. “If you don’t have main character energy, track and field isn’t for you,” the Florida native was heard saying in the recently released Netflix documentary SPRINT. 

While subtle sneers and jeers often come his way from both fans and colleagues alike for his on-track antics, Lyles rarely seems to be bogged down by the comments. Instead, with each potshot, the runner seems to make up his mind to shut down the comments at the very next chance he gets. But will his iron will prevail once again in the men’s 200m? Will he claim the coveted sprint double? What do you think?