“I believe Noah is the face of athletics,” said one of the biggest rivals of Noah Lyles once, aka Botswana’s gold medalist Letsile Tebogo. After taking Africa’s first gold in the event, Tebogo was asked if he saw himself as the future face of track and field. His response was pointed, acknowledging Lyles’ role but with a subtle critique. “I can’t be the face of athletics because I’m not an arrogant or a loud person like Noah.” Although the intention behind Tebogo’s comment wasn’t clear, his words certainly highlighted the American sprinter’s brash persona. In an era where athletics often struggles to maintain the spotlight, Lyles has embraced the role of both competitor and entertainer. And that’s what makes him nothing less than a showman in the athletic world.

Whether draped in designer fashion at exhibitions or loudly proclaiming his status as the world’s fastest man, Lyles is on a mission to make track and field a mainstream spectacle. A year ago, in 2023, Lyles cemented his place as a dominant force, overcoming doubters to claim gold in the 100 meters at the World Championships. Cut to Paris 2024, he now stands at the highest pedestal with the gold around his neck as one of the global ambassadors for track. Yet, it’s not just about titles for Lyles. Despite getting trolled by Botswana supporters for leaving the arena in a wheelchair, Lyles just received praise from a veteran Botswana Olympic medalist.

A Botswana Olympic medalist perceives Noah Lyles as the face of track and field amid all debates and setbacks

After grabbing the gold in the 100-meter dash in Paris, defeating Jamaican phenom Kishane Thompson in a photo finish, Lyles was eyeing the 200-meter Eldorado. However, as the starting pistol fired, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo reigned supreme on the track and disappointed Lyles left the arena in a wheelchair, securing a bronze as he was suffering from COVID-19.

On one hand, Noah was already left in a state of dismay after missing out on the gold owing to his illness. On the other hand, he was even more disappointed by the way he was greeted after his homecoming compared to the way Tebogo was welcomed back in Botswana. And what created an even bigger debacle was the fact that several Botswana fans booed Lyles while celebrating Tebogo’s win. Fans acted out how Lyles left the ground in a wheelchair. However, despite everything, Botswana’s first Olympic medalist has nothing but admiration for Noah Lyles.

The first Olympic medalist of Botswana, Nijel Amos, joined Lawrence Seretse in the recent episode of his podcast Punchline Podcast with Lawrence Seretse. Reflecting on Lyles’ impact, Amos talked about how Lyles isn’t just competing; rather, he’s bringing the sport to the masses. “He has great energy to have at this point. Yeah, he took the results of the sport to the people. Noah Lyles is taking the sport to the people,” said Nijel Amos. In the veteran’s eyes, Lyles isn’t just about being the fastest man but is creating a spectacle with his aura in the track world.

Despite being dethroned by younger talents, Lyles’ influence remains undeniable. “The man is a 19.3 runner,” he said, expressing confidence that Lyles will continue to be a formidable competitor in the 200 meters. “I would have put money on Noah to win 200… I still have a certain level of respect for him in the 200m“, stated Amos to clarify his thoughts. For him, Lyles’ energy and marketing savvy came at just the right time, helping track and field break through to a wider audience. Well, looking at Lyles’ dominance both on and off the tracks, it is quite evident that Nigel Amos is not the only icon gushing over him. 

Lyles recalls words of praise from Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt

Not only is Noah Lyles the Olympic champion, but he is also an entertainer. An entertainer who is unafraid to run the 200m finals in Paris with a COVID-19 infection. He is the one who hypes up his League of Legends team during the championship tournament. And Lyles is definitely the one who can blatantly comment about top NBA players saying, “World champions of what?” While it is a known fact that a certain Chris Gayle, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, or Conor McGregor is needed to appeal to the broader mass, Lyles looks to be sprinting on the right path.

And it is only expected that his contributions to the sport would aptly be acknowledged by the legends. In a recent visit to the Comcast Campus in Philadelphia, Lyles spilled the beans on how he got praised by two of the living legends of the sport. The 9x Olympic gold medalist, Carl Lewis, told Lyles, “The sport needs someone like you as champion.” The defending Olympic champion then went on to say that Usain Bolt reiterated similar sentiments. as well. 

Of course, Lyles was in seventh heaven after hearing the appreciation. After all, who doesn’t want to get acknowledged by the legends? In fact, amidst the constant trolling and criticism that Lyles has to face, he found these words as a breath of fresh air to strive further towards glory. Thus, making ripples and breaking the stereotypes while taking track and field on its path to ascension, Noah Lyles shows every potential to be a future legend in the making.