“Emotionally And Mentally Drained”: Noah Lyles Makes a Saddening Confession After Bahamas Relays

Cheers erupted when Noah Lyles confirmed his ticket for the Paris Olympics by winning the 4x100M at the 2024 World Athletics Relays. Despite doubts swirling around the USATF relay team, Lyles and his squad silenced critics with a triumphant first-place finish in the Bahamas.

However, post-victory, Lyles’s subdued demeanor left fans puzzled as they failed to feel the excitement of the win from the GOAT post the race. To answer this, Lyles – who won gold at last year’s world championships in Budapest – took to his social media to shed light on the matter. On May 7th, the 26-year-old shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, offering a transparent explanation.

In his message, Lyles expressed regret for not matching the vibrant energy of the event, attributing it to feeling “emotionally and mentally drained“. He elaborated on the challenges he faced, particularly the lack of boundaries at the warm-up track, where he struggled to focus amidst the constant stream of people.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Bahamas for hosting such a successful meet. The atmosphere was incredibly lively and inviting. However, I apologize for not reciprocating that energy, as I was dealing with emotional and mental exhaustion. This track meet posed challenges not only in the race itself but also due to the lack of boundaries at the warm-up track,” Lyles wrote in his post.

Continuing the sentiment, the legend added, “The saddest part about this is it left me so drained that I had no energy after my race to approach fans with a smile and give them the energy I normally give.” This isn’t the first time Lyles has talked about being mentally drained. However, the outspoken athlete has previously mentioned his encounter with depression.

Noah Lyles on addressing psychological challenges

On a candid revelation on Twitter in 2020, Lyles disclosed his decision to undergo treatment with antidepressants, describing it as one of his most significant choices. He shared, “I recently decided to undergo treatment with antidepressants. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. Since then, I’ve been able to think without the dark undertone in my head that it’s all meaningless anyway.”

The year 2020, marked by global turmoil, also unearthed personal struggles for Lyles. Amidst lockdowns and the surge of the Black Lives Matter movement, he grappled with feelings of powerlessness and despair. This relentless cycle of violence and tragedy left him feeling increasingly helpless.

In response to these challenges, Lyles, alongside his younger brother went on a mission to bring positive change. Together, they founded the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, a hope of support for young athletes. Beyond financial assistance, the foundation offers guidance on mental health, stress management, and combating bullying. Through his journey, Noah Lyles not only sprints towards the finish line but also champions the cause of mental well-being. As Paris inches closer, the world is excited to watch Lyles making history!