Noah Lyles Reveals About His “Nervous Energy” Before Competing Christian Coleman

The 2024 track season has burst onto the scene with electrifying speeds and intense contention. For 2023 World Champion Noah Lyles, this is the year he is “Coming for All.” Following his phenomenal season opener at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, all eyes were on Lyles as he prepared to face off against the world record holder for the 60-meter indoor race, Christian Coleman, at the 2024 USATF Indoor Championships.

Following a spectacular performance that exceeded expectations, Noah Lyles has now opened up about the “nerves” he experienced leading up to the race.

Was Noah Lyles nervous facing Christian Coleman?

In a post-race interview on YouTube by Flo Track, “3Peat” star Noah Lyles opened up about going against the goliath of the 60m indoor race, Christian Coleman, at the 2024 USATF Indoor Championships. He was asked by the interviewer, “What were the level of nerves for you going into today? Were you nervous at all?”

To which the 26-year-old replied, that he wouldn’t call it “nerves,” but rather “it’s like trying to contain my excitement.” Further elaborating on the Lyles revealed, “I was just constantly flicking my arms because I just had all this nervous energy, and it’s not so much like towards the race; it’s just like, dang, you know, I want this to happen now, now, now, but it’s really hard to be patient.”

He also reflected on a lesson he learned during the previous year’s World Championships: the importance of patience, especially when having to go through multiple rounds. Though he admitted to hating it, he acknowledged it as a necessary practice for an athlete. As we reflect on this honest reply from the 2024 indoor national champion in the 60m, Noah Lyles, let’s marvel at how he left audiences awestruck once again.

How Lyles surpassed the record holder Christian Coleman

On February 17, track fans from around the world tuned in as Noah Lyles was about to face Christian Coleman, who holds the men’s 60-meter indoor world record with a time of 6.34 seconds for the 60-meter indoor national title. As the competition began, Lyles was up against Coleman and six other competitors. However, in a blazing time of 6.43 seconds, Noah Lyles broke the finish line ribbon and surged to victory, surpassing Coleman.

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It was a super close race because Noah Lyles inched ahead of Christian Coleman by just 0.01 seconds. Coleman earned the silver medal, while Ronnie Baker came in third with a time of 6.51 seconds, which was his best time of the season. As fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling spectacles from Lyles and Coleman, Noah Lyles continues to uphold his bold claims, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with.

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