When Usain Bolt retired from track and field in 2017, many wondered who could fill the enormous void left by the Jamaican sprinting legend.
Bolt’s illustrious career saw him win 11 world championships and eight Olympic gold medals. Now, six years later, it seems that a worthy successor may have emerged in the form of Noah Lyles.
Although the American sprinter is not a newcomer to the track, having been a professional athlete for eight years, he has recently made a significant impact.
News About Nigeria gathered that at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Lyles achieved a remarkable feat by clinching a memorable 100m/200m double and leading the US team to victory in the 4x100m relay.
“I wanted to show I am different. I came out and showed it. I am double champion,” Lyles proudly stated. He also shared that legendary Usain Bolt has expressed his respect for his achievements.
Lyles who became just the fifth sprinter in history to claim a world sprint double, is ready to take track and field to a broader audience.
He envisions exceeding the sport and expanding his influence beyond the track. Lyles aspires to be known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his presence in fashion, music, and collaborations with artists worldwide.
As part of his efforts to transcend the sport, Lyles is starring in an NBC Sports documentary and is set to feature in a Netflix series centered around the 100m, currently in production.
Such exposure could help bring track and field to a wider audience, much like similar documentaries did for Formula One and tennis.
While Lyles embraces the attention and new opportunities, he also voices his concerns about track and field’s limited reach. He believes the sport should be presented on a global stage to reach a broader audience.
He contrasts the NBA’s “world champion” title with the diverse representation of nations in track and field, emphasizing the need to break out of the sport’s bubble.
Noah Lyles is now expected to maintain his impressive form and dominance in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Meanwhile, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has recognized Lyles as an “absolute rock star” in the sport, stressing the promising talent emerging in track and field.
