‘Got My Butt Kicked’: Noah Lyles and Brother Josephus, Recall Track & Field’s Humble Beginnings That Led Them to US Olympic Trials

Ever think where the road of the world’s best athletes starts? The paths of track and field greats Josephus Lyles and Noah Lyles began in far less lofty beginnings before they rose to prominence. The brothers’ recent recollections of their first track meet provided insight into the early years and the difficulties they experienced. Their open memories provide a surprising look at their remarkable progress.

In a conversation, the Lyles brothers talked about the thrill and the unanticipated obstacles they experienced at their first meeting. In a video shared on X by the U.S. Track & Field (USATF) organization, Noah and Josephus Lyles describe their first track meet experiences. “My first track meet,“ remembers Josephus. “I want to say I was about 10 or 11 years old.” Noah mentioned in more depth saying, “I think we were at Mecklenburg. Charlotte.“

However, the teenage boys’ father coached track at the Sugar Creek Rec Center while they were growing up in North Carolina. “We were running for, like, this rec center,“ Josephus recalled. “Uh, Sugar Creek Rec Center.“ At first, according to Josephus, they took part more for enjoyment than for competition: “We go out there and we just be, like, play around with the kids. We didn’t actually run at the time.“

Noah still clearly remembers what happened. “I went out there and I’m looking around and I’m like, okay, uh, I guess I’ll just get down.“ The 26-year-old recalled, “I don’t think we used blocks or anything like that.“ They casually entered a meeting without the usual planning or equipment. Furthermore, Noah showed his innate talent immediately, even with a carefree start.

“Gun went off and I’m running and I’m like, beat everybody by a mile.” Noah Lyles responded, “And I was like, that is too easy. I’m gonna go run, do something else.“ This early triumph suggested what may eventually develop into a spectacular track career. After that, the path Noah took was not without difficulties. He took a sabbatical from the track after his first success, but when he returned, he quickly realized how competitive the discipline was.

“I ended up not doing track the next year, and it came back and got my butt kicked. So I learned where all the fast people were and everything, and that was my first ever track,” he said. However, their stories, brimming with early experiences and life lessons, highlight the humble beginnings that led them to the US Olympic trials.

Noah Lyles and others put in a great effort during the thrilling semi-finals

In the men’s 100-meter opening heat, Noah Lyles showcased his preparation for the Olympic trials by setting the fastest time of the evening with a blazing 9.92 seconds. His effort on Saturday, in Eugene, highlighted his quickness and set the tone for the semi-finals. Additionally, from the stands, Lyles had support from his mother, Keisha Cane, and NBC contributor Snoop Dogg. Three world champions advanced in the men’s 100-meter race, notably Lyles and Christian Coleman, who set a record of 9.99 seconds and cracked the 10-second barrier.

Another formidable competitor, Fred Kerley, came in fifth overall with an official time of 10.03 seconds. Both Courtney Lindsey and Kenny Bednarek met the Olympic standard with a 10.00 flat, guaranteeing their places in the next round. A 9.92-second result at the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica previously in June was Noah Lyles’ second-fastest time of the year.

His best time was 9.85 seconds. Moreover, after his performance, Lyles remarked to reporters, “It’s amazing to finally be here. Coming off of Tokyo [in 2021], I was like, ‘Gosh, I felt like I had blown a huge opportunity.’ [But] the more I look back at it, the more I’m like, ‘Wow, if I never had that moment, I would have never produced what I’ve done up to now.’“

As a show of the brothers’ power to have a big influence during the trials, Josephus Lyles, Noah’s brother, also made it to the semi-finals. Thus, as they move through the race, Josephus and another competitor, Kyree King, who had previously stated his willingness to “stir things up“ will be attentively observed. The Lyles brothers are leaving their imprint on the track and field as teammates, showcasing that success can come from even the most humble beginnings.