Noah Lyles Recalls Facing Horrors Amidst Thoughts of Quitting Track and Field

Winning the 200 m at those worlds did little to boost his morale. Noah Lyles opens up about his personal battles, including mental health challenges. These struggles were not limited to the track. “I didn’t have that Noah spark,” Lyles admitted in a podcast about the mental and emotional battles he waged throughout his career. Including periods of debilitating self-doubt that nearly pushed him to abandon the sport he loves. There were times when I honestly thought about giving up,” Lyles has admitted.

“The pressure, the expectations, the constant grind—it took a toll on me.” However, beyond the challenges, Lyles’ story reveals a powerful narrative of resilience, highlighting the importance of mental strength alongside physical prowess.

A champion’s struggle with mental health

Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion in the 200 meters, is known for his explosive speed and flamboyant personality. But behind the dazzling performances and charismatic smile lies a deeper story of resilience and overcoming adversity. In a sport where hundredths of a second can determine victory, the mental game is just as crucial as physical talent.

After winning the 100-meter dash in Paris, he posted, X: “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!”

Lyles acknowledged in an interview, “It wasn’t easy. I’ll take you back to 2021, when I started realizing that even though mentally I was getting better, I didn’t have that drive. There were days when I felt lost and alone. But I had an incredible support system—my family, my coaches, and my friends—who helped me through those tough times.”

“I just remember constantly thinking, That could be me,” Lyles says. The intense emotions following George Floyd’s murder in May 2020 added to the mental health challenges he was already navigating. During this time, Lyles actively sought therapy and encouraged others to prioritize mental health, emphasizing its importance for athletes.

Noah Lyles on depression, anxiety, and finding his way back to the track

Lyles started taking Zoloft, which lifted his mood that summer, but weaned himself off the antidepressant going into the next track season. He ran a world-leading 200 m at the trials for the postponed Tokyo Olympics and was the clear favorite for Olympic gold. But when he got to the Games, his knee started to swell up. Plus, there were no fans in the stands to provide electricity. “Noah thrives on crowds,” says his sports psychologist, Diana McNab. “He’s a performance athlete, meaning he loves the limelight; he loves showtime. There was none of that in Tokyo. So he was a fish without water.”

Post-Tokyo, Lyles had to dig out of a malaise. A session with McNab helped persuade him to run a race in Eugene, Ore., a few weeks after those Olympics. “You get out there and just run for the joy of running and run your ass off, she told him. If you can’t do that, we’re screwed for next season.”

Lyles said, “If you see me in a big light, I want you to know that it’s okay to not feel good, and you can go out and talk with somebody professionally or even get on medication. This is a serious issue. You don’t want to wake up one day and think, ‘I don’t want to be here anymore.’”

“I want people to know that it’s okay to struggle,” Lyles said. “It’s okay to not be perfect. What matters is how you overcome those challenges and keep moving forward.” Lyles bravely shares his own struggles, reminding us that even the strongest among us need support.

Lyles’ story transcends the track. It’s a story of resilience, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Just like any of us, athletes face challenges, both on and off the field. Lyles’ honesty about his mental health struggles is a powerful message, reminding us that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this fight. He’s a reminder that even the most successful among us experience setbacks and that overcoming those challenges is crucial for achieving true greatness.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by pressure or experienced periods of self-doubt?