Noah Lyles is the most resplendent track and field star anyone can think of in recent history. The double champion blinded the onlookers with the three flashy jewels hanging around his neck in Budapest. However, not many people can peer through the veil of glamour to witness the immense hard work that goes into making a star. Thankfully, Noah Lyles isn’t one to skimp on details from his personal life and tore asunder the enigma surrounding his success.
The sprinting sensation is a devout Christian and believes, “God has put forth everything that I need to succeed”. However, he was equally indebted to the hands that raised him, with one in particular that shaped his track and field journey.
Dad shaping Noah Lyles’ track and field journey
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Noah Lyles was born into a track and field family, with his father, Kevin Lyles, and his mother, Keisha Caine, playing for Seton Hall University. During a podcast with Liberian Olympic athlete Joseph Fahnbulleh, the American expressed his admiration for his dad. The podcast was later posted on YouTube with the title, “INTERNET COACHES CAN SHUT IT!” As for his own coach, Noah Lyles had nothing but praise.
He said, “When I started track and have been through probably like four coaches and one of them was my dad”. His dad had shared tales of all his difficulties as a college athlete with Noah Lyles and his brother. Therefore, when it came to forging his own path in life, the American world champ went a different route. Noah Lyles had committed to join the Florida Gators at the University of Florida but went pro with a partnership deal from Adidas.
Instead of walking the traditional route and becoming a pro after a college career, he chose to be different. He was also thankful to his mom for her unwavering support despite their family’s problematic financial conditions. Now, Lyles and his brother are on a mission to give back to the community and help others overcome all obstacles as a tribute to their parents.
Noah Lyles and Josephus Lyles launched The Lyles Foundation
Both brothers launched The Lyles Foundation in 2020 to immortalize their father’s legacy in track and field. They also wanted to help out budding athletes who were facing money troubles. During black history month, Noah Lyles spoke to Sky Sports and renewed his mission.
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He said, “We know there are tons of kids out there and youths that are striving to achieve what me and my brother have done and just don’t have the resources. We’ve always known that we wanted to give back to those communities, try to find those youth that can reach the top”.
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He uses his expertise to instruct them about mental health and physical aspects of sports. Noah Lyles also becomes the bridge to connect these athletes with better coaches. These are experts who can craft a more promising future for them. As for himself, he was lucky to have that person living with him in his home. Next summer, he will try to make his dad proud by standing atop the podium in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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