With the Paris Olympics 2024, Noah Lyles has sealed his place in history forever. His journey from his early days in Gainesville, Florida, to his position as the fastest man is brimming with iconic wins. Remember how he dominated the World Championship tracks? Or the times he had heartbeats racing at the Olympic tracks? And let’s not forget his five iconic golden wins at the Diamond League! But that’s not all!

Lyles is also extremely passionate and a vocal advocate of the sport’s visibility. His mission? To bring the track and field profile to the big leagues and match the marketing spotlight enjoyed by major sports such as basketball or football. But in a recent interview, Lyles split some beans. Leaving the world with doubts about this mission, reaching its destination.

In a recent interview, Noah Lyles compared his achievements to those of another sports legend. “I can be that high. You know, we talk about Messi; like I was just in a debate with Adidas, like, you know, ‘Oh gosh, what is he, his ninth?’ He won his second, you know, FIFA World Cup. Yeah, and they were doing all this marketing. I’m just like, ‘I got six World Championship medals; where’s my marketing?’ That’s like the mentality I have,” Lyles remarked.

With Lyles’s statement, it becomes evident that there is a big issue in terms of how different sports are valued and promoted by marketers. But the question that arises here, of course, is, would there be a better following for other sports if the marketing budgets for the same were higher? Or is it simply a case of these prominent sports having a higher fan following? While players like Messi receive coverage and endorsement deals, it’s not the same for other sports. Despite dedication and sprints that often seem humanly impossible, track and field stars struggle to gain similar recognition.

“It’s like, okay, if somebody is doing, you know, posting about him, I would also like it in return,” Lyles added. “I feel that what I do is not going to be any less or any, you know, less deserving of what somebody else has done, or I can’t reach that level at the same time.” It is not a question of which sport is better or even fandom, but of receiving the respect, recognition, and reward that is well deserved. And above all, earned! And his statement stands true not just for track and field but for all sports that have legendary sportspersons performing. But unfortunately, they don’t receive the recognition they so rightly deserve. And hence, much deservingly so, despite all the odds of track and field, Lyles’ trajectory of wins doesn’t falter!

Noah Lyles’ struggles and wins on and off track

Noah Lyles holds three Olympic medals and six World Championship golds! The story of stacking up golds began at the 2019 Doha World Championships. He won his first championship in 200m. He also won the 4x100m the same year. But that’s not all! Lyles staked up the Golds further at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Lyles’ story on track reads like a Gold Rush, but it is not without conflict.

History tells you that every great story has a conflict. Something that could change their story for the worse, but as the legends have shown us, true sportsmanship is in overcoming it. And creating an ever better part two. Lyles recently opened up about his mental health battle. “I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression, I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You?” wrote Lyles on X.

They say, ‘If you want to fast, go alone. And if you want to go far, go together.’ Lyles has shown the world how to do both at the same time. Lyles’ battles were fought with an army that understands and supports him unconditionally. Any guess who they are? The answer is his parents, Keisha Caine and Kevin Lyles. Keisha and Kevin met at Seton Hall University, and they were both track stars then. Their history with Track made it a little easier for them to understand the demands of Track and unconditionally support Lyles’ dreams.

So, what’s next in the cards for the fastest man? Noah Lyles is off to prepare for his next big thing. He is preparing to defend his title at the World Athletics Championships 2024, which is set to happen in Tokyo later this year in September. Lyles doesn’t intend to lose the title any time soon; the same was clear when he said, “The day I think I can’t be beat, is the day that I will slip up and somebody will come and beat me.”