The word ‘Delulu’ has impressed Noah Lyles much. The Gen-Z lingo replaced the usual word ‘delusional’ with the term that puts the original word in a positive context. Chasing Usain Bolt’s records, Noah Lyles can identify himself with that. Because he has the heavy burden of proving that his claims to touch that feat are not eccentric or unnatural on the tracks. The 26-year-old sprinter knows this to the core. And it is his confidence that directs him to go an extra length to make himself prepared. According to him, he is in the ‘best shape’ right now to go for the records. All Noah Lyles needs is the stars to align for him correctly as he believes he does not fall short on his own effort. 

In his conversation with Dazed Digital, the reigning world champion disclosed his success juice. It was not much puzzling going by Noah’s nature. “Once I set my mind to something, I make it come true. That doesn’t mean I just sit back and wish upon a star. I put in the work. I control the natural and let God control the super – that’s how you create the supernatural,” said Noah Lyles, giving a glimpse of his winning mindset. But how are these things driving him nowadays when he is still shorter than Usain Bolt’s timing in a different race? 

Incidentally, in the Atlanta City Games last week, Noah Lyles gave his best try to topple Usain Bolt’s 150m record made in 2009. However, he missed the gem by 0.06 seconds. But he is pulling things into his side for sure. At Piedmont Park, Noah Lyles couldn’t come close to touching Usain Bolt’s shadow, but he still managed to break the American record in the event. 

Furthermore, in the Bahamas, Noah Lyles had completed his 100m split in 8.88 seconds in the 4x100m relay race- a clocking resilient enough to take on Bolt’s 100m world record timing, 9.58 seconds. If such things are not enough to keep him on the right track to touch the Jamaican legend’s records, then he would have to rely on the other side of his efforts. 

The support system that Noah Lyles thrives on 

In his several conversations, Noah Lyles has praised highly of his support staffers. Among that crowd, coach Lance Brauman has received a special mention. Brauman’s involvement has noticeably benefitted Noah, as he has experience collaborating with big names in track and field. One such was Tyson Gay. Brauman had worked with him when the American legend was in his race to go for the double in the 2008 Olympics. However, the physical toll had torn him apart and, as a result, Tyson had never won any Olympic medal. Brauman remembers this hard truth aptly. 

Therefore, he does not want to load Noah Lyles with a heap of expectations. Rather, the veteran eyes the Olympic trials at first to make a cut. But at the same time, Lance Brauman is hopeful about Noah Lyles’ ability. His hopes lead him to assert, “Maybe he can run the world record, 19.15, 19.12, somewhere in that range, based off the same math, if I’m using it correctly.” But he expects the external factors such as the “weather, time of year and environment” suit Noah Lyles perfectly at the penultimate time. Apart from that, Noah has already got his certificate from the legend himself, Usain Bolt. 

“I think the possibility is there because he came close at the (2022) World Championships. I think if he corrects a few things, I won’t say, he could get better. The possibility is there,” he said about Noah, on the possibility of breaking his records by the latter. As the situation stands now, it is about the ‘super’ part to make things on Noah Lyles’ side.