In the very first episode of Netflix’s

Sprint Part 1, Noah Lyles revealed his ambition to become the face of track and field. Today, after clinching the 100m Olympic gold medal and successfully defending his double-world championship titles, the 27-year-old has certainly achieved that status. However, his crusade to revolutionize the sport has not been without its challenges.

During his conversation with LetsRun.com’s Jonathan Gault, the host asked Lyles if he has made any headway in bringing something new to the sports. “You’re trying to take it mainstream you’re trying to elevate it how do you think you’re doing in that respect?” asked the former cross-country athlete. However, Lyles gave a disheartening outlook.

Noah Lyles has become disillusioned with compliance in track and field

“It’s been really difficult,” said Lyles while discussing his efforts to bring change. While Lyles said he has been “going back and forth” with his efforts to bring change and help grow the sport, the Olympian has mostly faced frustration. “I’ve kind of come started coming to realizations that I don’t think the sport wants to change,” the Olympian told the hosts.

“Almost like they’re very content, where they are,” confessed Noah Lyles. While the Florida native refrained from naming anyone, Noah Lyles openly expressed his frustration, stating that his discussions with key decision-makers in track and field have been unproductive. Despite presenting evidence, alongside his agent, showcasing how their innovative ideas have succeeded in other sports, their proposals have been consistently dismissed.

“They usually kind of fall on deaf ears,” said NoJo. In fact, many of Lyles’ ideas to try something new have been treated as favors. However, the six-time world champion believes that as one of the top athletes in the sport, his opinions also hold weight. “We want to be heard as athletes,” said the Olympian. A perfect example would be Gabby Thomas teaming up with Alexis Ohanian.

Appalled with the lack of pay in track and field’s biggest annual event, the Diamond League, the Reddit co-founder teamed up with Gabby Thomas to execute Athlos NYC. The 41-year-old also spoke with other female stars to execute the highest-paid event in women’s track and field history. However, Noah Lyles does see potential in another unorthodox and grand idea.

The Olympic gold medalist on how Grand Slam Track has the power to bring change

Learning about Lyles’ challenges with traditional systems in track and field, host Robert Johnson posed an intriguing question. He brought up the efforts of sprinting legend Michael Johnson, who is working to innovate the sport through the Grand Slam Track initiative. Much like Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos NYC event, Michael Johnson’s venture aims to transform athlete earnings and reshape the track and field landscape. Curious about the potential impact, Robert asked Lyles for his thoughts on the ambitious project.

Noah Lyles echoed his sentiments from a past interview in September. “Personally, I just need to see a TV provider. The problem with our sport right now is we have great performances, but nobody’s able to see them.” Noah Lyles said in September. And while GST has struggled to secure TV and streaming sponsors, he did believe that it could foster “powerful” change.

“If they handle it right has the potential to rock a lot of shoe contracts,” said the Nike-sponsored athlete. For now, shoe contracts are arguably the biggest source of income for pro track and field athletes. However, GST’s $12.6 million prize pool could change that. If the average athlete makes more than their show contract thanks to the Grand Slam, it would usher massive change.

“They get to go back, you know, to their sponsor and say, ‘Hey! You know… I don’t really need you anymore,” said Noah Lyles. Such a scenario would force the shoe brands to offer better contracts, as they can’t continue without the athletes. It’s changes like these that will elevate the sport, believes NoJo. Yet, do you agree with Lyles? Let us know in the comments.