“I Never Realized”: Noah Lyles Recalls How Humble Teachings from Track and Field Has Transformed Him

Noah Lyles is carrying the weight of US track and field enthusiast’s Olympic dreams. When he first competed in the Tokyo Olympics, Lyles got the bronze. However, since then, he has come a long way. Competing in the 2023 Worlds at Eugene, Noah Lyles obliterated the men’s division. He won gold in 100m, 200m, and even in the 4x100m relays. This year too, Lyles has had a promising start as he came second best in the 60m discipline at the World Indoors. 

However, Lyles’ journey to the top was not very smooth. He suffered from asthma, ADHD, and dyslexia. But his grit and determination made him become one of the greatest sprinters of all time. And surely enough, during his journey, Lyles has received some invaluable learnings. And he has recently tried to impart the same among the ones trying to follow him. 

Lyles reflects on choosing a different path

In a recent interview with CNBC, Noah Lyles opened up about how it felt choosing track and field as a profession. Lyles stated that he felt honored watching younger generations follow in his footsteps. Trying to cheer them up, Lyles pointed out that it is a good thing to choose a profession that is different from the rest. Lyles said, “The best part about running is that when you’re at your very top speed, it feels like you can run forever…. I never realized how rare that was for most people.”

Lyles spoke about how great a feeling it was to run at top speed. He mentioned that just when the other competitors seem to be slowing down, the joy of being able to continue at full throttle is worth all the pain and hardship. Noah Lyles further detailed how the feeling of crossing the line as the champion is rare. Because often, most people do not get to experience how it feels like to be at the pinnacle with no one in front. 

Well, speaking about being at the pinnacle, Lyles has a mission. He has already impressed the world by raking up a personal 100m best of 9.83s and 19.31s in the 200m. However, being the fighter Lyles is, he is not yet satisfied. With the Olympics approaching, Noah Lyles is determined to dethrone Usain Bolt from the top. 

Noah Lyles’ Olympic dreams

Noah Lyles is coming for Usain Bolt’s records. At present, the 100m and 200m men’s records both lie with Bolt. His timings of 9.58s and 19.19s have been an incredible feat, and no one has toppled it yet. But Lyles has dared to aim to break the 9.58-second world record.

Speaking about the same, Lyles shared, “Last year, I went out there and won three gold medals. This year I want to get four.” He further added, “And if I don’t get four, I am going after three world records. If I don’t succeed, I will try, try, try again.” After securing a win at the 2024 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Lyles’ confidence has received the required boost.

Moreover, track icon Asafa Powell stated that Noah Lyles could very well break Bolt’s record going by the stats of his career in the tracks. What’s more? The Jamaican legend, Usain Bolt himself, believes that Lyles can break the world record. Now track enthusiasts are waiting to witness whether Noah Lyles can justify his claims or not while aiming for the Paris glory.