Noah Lyles’ Idolizing Moment for Coco Gauff at Paris Olympics Had a Deeper Reason Behind It

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ByEva Aggarwal

Sep 6, 2024 | 2:05 AM EDT

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Noah Lyles' admiration for Coco Gauff—Is this the new power duo in American sports?

Coco Gauff is a lightning bolt on the WTA tour, with her footwork and defensive prowess being key ingredients in her recipe for victory. Her speed on the court is a game-changer, turning defense into offense like a sudden gust of wind sweeping across the baseline. But imagine this: if her childhood had taken a slightly different path, Gauff might not just be dominating tennis courts—she could be racing down tracks, vying for the title of “fastest woman in the world.” The potential for speed was always in her, whether in sneakers or tennis shoes.

Coco Gauff totally looks up to Noah Lyles and soaks up his advice like a sponge. Their brief but memorable encounter at the Paris Olympics 2024 was a real eye-opener for her. Gauff said, “It was a natural conversation but he’s the type of person I think you can learn a lot about confidence and believing in yourself from.” Lyles’ natural charisma and strong confidence gave her a big boost and helped her find her own self-assurance.

At the Paris Olympics, Coco Gauff etched her name in the history books, proudly carrying the U.S. flag as the youngest ever to lead the team into the opening ceremony—a moment that shimmered like a star in the night sky. While her Olympic run didn’t unfold like the fairytale she’d hoped for, Gauff quickly shifted gears, stepping onto the US Open stage with a fierce determination to defend her crown.

After Coco Gauff bumped into Noah Lyles at Paris, the spark was undeniable. Even though they come from different sports, his vibrant energy had a real impact on her. “We got to meet up at the opening ceremony and again a few days later when we were both trying to get breakfast,” Lyles shared with a grin. Their meetings were more than just random run-ins—they were moments where Lyles’ electric vibe connected their worlds and gave Gauff a much-needed boost of inspiration.

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What do you think was the deeper reason behind Noah Lyles idolizing Coco Gauff at the Paris Olympics?

Shared American pride

Mutual respect as athletes

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Noah Lyles' admiration for Coco Gauff—Is this the new power duo in American sports?

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Coco Gauff’s coach shared a gem of wisdom with her, using Noah Lyles as a shining example: “The best thing my coach can say is ‘You’re ready. Just go be Noah Lyles.’ And I’m the best at that.” He encouraged Gauff to channel that same vibrant energy and fully embrace her greatness, especially when all eyes are on her. His message was clear and heartfelt—when the stage grows larger, simply be yourself and let your natural brilliance light up the room.

But here’s a fun twist—did you know that Noah Lyles isn’t a fan of the NBA or other sports? Yet, when it comes to tennis, he’s got nothing but love. It’s as if the world of tennis holds a special place in his heart, while the rest of the sports scene just doesn’t resonate with him in the same way.

From courts to tracks: Noah Lyles’ unexpected love for tennis

Noah Lyles has been stirring the pot with some bold remarks about NBA players. While chatting with reporters at the World Championships in Budapest, he discussed how winning medals is just the beginning of elevating track and field’s profile. Lyles hopes to see more past world champions attending major events to add extra prestige. With his usual straightforwardness, he also took a jab at the NBA, clearly stating his position on the matter.

Noah Lyles didn’t hold back when he said, “You know the thing that hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on they head. World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong, I love the US – at times – but that ain’t the world,” he laid it out straight, pointing out how the title doesn’t quite match the global scope.

But Noah Lyles’ vibes change when it comes to tennis! Earlier this year, Coco Gauff shared a fun tidbit: Lyles once imagined her as a 400-meter hurdler. “Noah Lyles said he saw me as a 400 hurdler, but I’m kind of scared of hurdles, so I don’t think I would have been like that,” Gauff said. “But definitely 400 or longer would have been my thing.” It’s a playful twist on how Lyles sees her potential beyond the tennis court.

With Noah Lyles cheering on Coco Gauff, offering his wisdom, and showing a surprising love for tennis, what do you think of his advice? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!