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Noah Lyles's leadership, antics, and talent has been praised by an American track and field legend for his impact in putting athletics on world notice.
American track legend Carl Lewis has credited Noah Lyles's leadership, antics and talent as the main reasons athletics is now on world notice, especially at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
Lewis who retired as a nine-time Olympic champion and eight-time world gold medallist, believes Lyles's actions in transcending the sport in the past year have brought more attention to athletics from neutral fans.
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The 26-year-old has been the most vocal athlete with an unmatchable personality on and off track, and his antics at destabilizing his rivals have received mixed responses from fans with some against and termed him as arrogant, while others embrace it as being exactly what the sport needs to gain more attention.
Interestingly, Lyles is someone who backs up his words with actions. His recent exploit of winning the Olympic 100m gold against his fierce Jamaican rival Kishane Thompson, strengthened his claim as the world's fastest man, having won the world title in Budapest last year.
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He was poised to add the Olympic 200m gold medal in Paris but settled for the bronze medal behind race winner Letsile Tebogo and compatriot Kenny Bednarek. It'll later be revealed that Lyles ran the race ill having tested positive for COVID two days before the race.
With the worldwide backlash Lyles received following his loss, Lewis has openly extended his support to his countryman, while congratulating other athletes
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00:50 - 09.08.2024
'This is not the Olympics I dreamed of' - Noah Lyles reflects on 200m loss, congratulates Tebogo and Bednarek
With an unexpected defeat in the men's 200m final at Paris 2024 Olympics, Noah Lyles had little yet so much to say reflecting on his loss to Letsile Tebogo.
"I've been in track and field for almost 50 years. It is one of the most difficult sports to be in. Congratulations to all of the great athletes in the world, and I marvel at your talent. But someone has to out themselves out there for all of you to get attention," wrote Lewis on his X page.
"@LylesNoah, it may be a tough time in your life now, but your antics and talent are why they watched your race. There are very few global superstars in this sport, and the masses benefit from the few," he continued.
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02:07 - 09.08.2024
Paris 2024: Noah Lyles ends Olympic journey after COVID positive test, explains decision to still race the 200m final
Noah Lyles has withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympics following COVID positive test and has detailed the reasons he still decided to race the 200m final.
"So if you thik it is easy to put yourself out there not knowing what the outcome will be, when do it. Until then, support our great athletes who have the courage to do that and think about how easy it is to ride to just stay quiet and win.
"I congratulate all of the great champions in our sport. But I admire the leaders who are willing to make a difference and deal with the consequences. That's the hard thing to do," he concluded.
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10:44 - 09.08.2024
Paris 2024: Botswana President declares public holiday for Letsile Tebogo following historic Olympic feat
The President of Botswana has honoured Letsile Tebogo's Paris 2024 Olympic exploits by declaring a public afternoon day off for its citizens.
After the 200m final, Lyles released an emotional statement announcing he would no longer continue at Paris 2024 Olympics. He was initially scheduled to be the anchor leg runner for Team USA's 4x100m relay squad, where they're favourites for the gold medal.
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