In Eugene, Oregon, the track and field world converged for the highly anticipated Diamond League Final of 2023. Noah Lyles, the 100m world champion, arrived at the Diamond League Final with an aura of invincibility. Just a month prior, he had breezed to victory in the 200-meter final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. However, Lyles found himself in an unfamiliar position as he crossed the finish line of the men’s 100-meter race not as the victor but as the runner-up.
Christian Coleman, his American compatriot and fierce competitor, dashed across the finish line with a world-leading time of 9.83 seconds, while Lyles trailed closely behind, claiming second place with a time of 9.85 seconds. It was a heart-pounding race with fierce competition at the highest level of athletics. After his disappointing finish to the season, as the cheers gradually dissipated, Lyles received an unexpected and heart-warming surprise that would leave an indelible mark on his memory.
Former American champion cheers Noah Lyles with a fruity surprise
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In the aftermath of the race, Lyles found himself in the midst of an interview on YouTube conducted by CITIUS MAG. Despite the race’s outcome, Lyles greeted the interviewers with a remarkable sense of composure and optimism.
He stood before them, milkshake in hand, sipping away while answering their questions. When asked about the milkshake, Lyles beamed with a characteristic grin, explaining, “It’s the end-of-season gift milkshake; you know, Lewis Johnson got me this as we were doing the NBC interview, so yeah, it tastes pretty good too.”
The man responsible for this heart-warming gesture was none other than Lewis Johnson, a prominent figure in the world of track and field reporting.
The unexpected surprise that Lyles received was not just any milkshake; it was a gesture of camaraderie and support, a testament to the close-knit community of athletes who understand the highs and lows of their sport.
Lyles on his loss at the 2023 Diamond League Finals
Lewis Johnson serves as a reporter for NBC’s coverage of track and field, and he is also a former American Olympic champion who competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1988 and 1992. As Lyles continued to sip on his Five Guys salted caramel milkshake in the midst of the interview, he spoke about feeling great despite the race’s outcome.
Running his second-fastest time of the year was a testament to his peak physical condition, and he emphasized that he had come to the event primarily to have fun. He also spoke about his impromptu victory lap, a symbolic gesture to thank the fans who had supported him throughout the season. He made it clear that winning wasn’t the only goal. “Even when I don’t win, I win,” he exclaimed.
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In the world of sports, victory and defeat are the twin pillars upon which athletes build their legacies. As Lyles finishes the 2023 season, fans are excited to see him further mark his name in track history.
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Watch this story: After Flaunting World Championship Medals, Noah Lyles Gets Back to Hustle Again Ahead of Prefontaine Diamond League