Team USA track and field star Noah Lyles has always been open about the health hurdles he faced as a child. Despite a lifelong battle with asthma, Lyles defied the odds to become the world’s fastest man. Born in Florida and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Lyles grappled with asthma from a young age, often finding himself on the sidelines. Yet he pushed through, using nebulizer treatments—essentially inhaling aerosolized asthma medication through a mask.

What’s the next step for dealing with a chronic lung disease as a track star? Noah Lyles has managed to overcome his challenges, but what about others facing similar issues? It looks like the solution may finally be on the horizon.

Now, a Minnesota native is stepping up to the plate, creating innovative solutions for kids with asthma. This fabulous work is making waves and has the potential to save countless lives, turning the tide for children facing similar struggles. Recently, Noah Lyles took to X to share his enthusiasm, tweeting, “Wow, this is nothing short of amazing.”

Well, it was about Dilshan Rajan, who often ended up in the emergency room as a child due to asthma. Now he is channeling his experiences into innovation. A sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, he has created a smart inhaler equipped with sensors to monitor oxygen flow and pulse oximetry, aiming to replace traditional inhalers. “I wanted a better solution,” he said. After developing his idea and filing a patent in December 2023, Dilshan is focused on building the prototype and designing an app, all while balancing his studies.

In the spring of 2024, Dilshan received a Goldwater scholarship to support his research in otopathology and neural engineering. “Once you get your first opportunity, things will lead into other opportunities,” he said. He plans to pursue an MD/PhD in biomedical engineering after graduation and is also working on another medical device with support from mentors and peers. But how did Noah Lyles get over Asthma, when it is almost not curable?

From battling Asthma and ADHD to crossing the finish line, Noah Lyles’s journey

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During an asthma attack, airway muscles tighten, linings swell, and excess mucus causes wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Common triggers include dust, allergies, air pollution, weather changes, and pet dander. Despite these challenges, Noah Lyles managed his asthma with nebulizer treatment and all this was possible because of his mother who supported him.

His mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, took extensive measures to reduce dust in their home, including removing carpets, curtains, and stuffed animals. Despite the persistent struggle with asthma, Lyles underwent adenoid and tonsil surgeries as a child to aid his breathing and began running at age 12. Although asthma can’t be cured, it can be managed with medication and avoidance of triggers. But was it just asthma Lyles had to face? No!

In addition to asthma, Lyles has also openly discussed his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. Diagnosed with these disorders in middle school, he found school challenging but channeled his energy into sports. Exercise has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms, and for Lyles, running became a vital outlet. His mental health struggles, including depression exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led him to openly share his experiences on social media. After a tough Olympic performance in Tokyo, Lyles used his platform to encourage others to seek help and not feel alone in their struggles, emphasizing the importance of support and mental health awareness. And thus here it is with the Gold in 100m in the Paris Olympics!