Noah Lyles was already battling anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, asthma, and allergies from childhood. Now, to make matters worse, things got more ugly with the reigning Olympic 100m champion. After winning the 200m World Championships gold in 2019, Lyles began to succumb to depression. It all started with Lyles missing his home and feeling homesick. The gruesome death of George Floyd added more to his situation and made him go into further depression. 

Lyles mentioned losing his ‘twinkle’ to run, and while the pandemic set in, the US sprinting star almost gave up on his career. Soon after the lockdown phase was over, Lyles saw the Tokyo Olympics knocking at the door. Despite his mental state, the 27-year-old managed to gather himself and secure a spot in the 200-meter run. Unfortunately, stepping into the race as the crowd favorite, Lyles finished third, which further pushed him down to the depths of darkness. 

With people urging him to compete in the succeeding Prefontaine Classics, Lyles was least interested. Opening up about the same in his recent podcast, ‘Beyond The Records’, Lyles recalled, “So, you know, I lose the 200 in 2021, and I’m like, ‘I’m done for the season. I’ll just come back next year… I didn’t want to show my face.” However, this was when Lyles met his therapist, who helped the champion cope with his mental struggles significantly. 

Lyles’ therapist asked him whether he was scared to race. This question made the US sprint sensation realize the truth. He was indeed scared to lose and, thus, was trying to avoid races! Reminiscing about the incident, Lyles recalled, “And I call my therapist and she’s like, why are you so scared to go race? I’m like, I’m not scared. She’s like, no you are. ’cause the no I know always shows up for a race no matter who’s in the race.”

Thankfully, his therapist’s lessons acted like magic. Lyles fought with his inner demons and dragged himself to the Prefontaine Classic. And while taking the podium victorious, Lyles mentioned that this win was unlike any ordinary triumph. This made Lyles believe in himself once more. And that belief stayed with him throughout, making the American sprint sensation one of the ‘Fastest Man on Earth.’ But his Paris Olympic stint was not that straightforward either.

Noah Lyles dominates the Paris Olympics

Noah Lyles was ravaged by controversies as days to Paris came close. Fans always complained about his slow timing in the build-up races and how his opponents were faster. But Lyles was unperturbed. He mentioned competing in all four categories and even aiming for an Olympic gold quadruple. What’s more? Lyles also stated that he would break Usain Bolt’s record. Well, for many, these words seemed quite vague. But when the 100-meter race began, things seemed to be quite different. 

Lining up against the likes of Letsile Tebogo, Kishane Thompson, and more, Lyles faced tough competition. As the gun fired, Lyles went through like a blitzkrieg. Recording a time of 9.784s, Lyles and Thompson tied for the first position. After careful consideration, it was the US sprinting star who took the podium for the gold medal. Thus, painting a picture of grit and determination, Noah Lyles emerged as one of the track stalwarts. Now, as the new season begins, fans will surely look up to Lyles for more such scintillating performances.