Noah Lyles' Determination to Break Records at the Paris Olympics

Noah Lyles, the American sprinter, is full of confidence. After winning three world championship titles last year, he has big plans for his career. He even aims to break Usain Bolt's records in the 100 and 200 meters.

"He was the fastest man ever to do it," Lyles claims, confidently stating, "and soon, it'll be me."

Some might view this as overconfidence, while others see it as the boldness of a top athlete reaching his peak in an Olympic year. Lyles has become a standout in the track and field community in recent times, a popular figure unafraid to express his optimism for major competitions.

With the Paris Games coming up, the 26-year-old athlete is exploring new opportunities. Previously focusing on the 200m race, he surprised everyone by winning his first world championship title in the 100m event in Budapest last year. Additionally, he also clinched a silver medal in the indoor 60m race in Glasgow earlier this month.

Although the 60m event is not included in the Olympics, he is considering competing in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays as well. This would make him a contender in four different disciplines in Paris, showcasing an unprecedented level of ambition for a sprinter.

"We worked on the 60 to help my 100 and my 200 and we’ve seen major progression in that,” he tells CNN Sport.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing how it translates outdoors. This progress boosts my confidence more and more. When we hit the outdoors, I plan to just enjoy the process."

Lyles celebrates after the 4x400m final at this month's indoor world championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Lyles celebrates after the 4x400m final at this month's indoor world championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

At last year's world championships, Lyles proved himself to be the fastest man in the world. He won the 100m race with a personal best time of 9.83 seconds and then went on to secure his third consecutive title in the 200m event.

Getting closer to Bolt’s world records of 9.58 and 19.19 – Lyles is third on the 200m all-time list with 19.31 – will require patience and improvement, though many would argue that the Jamaican’s legacy as the greatest ever won’t be challenged by the current generation of sprint stars.

Lyles, on the other hand, believes he has a unique approach compared to Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion who retired in 2017.

Lyles recalls, "When the time came, he was there, he did what needed to be done. I prefer to establish my dominance consistently throughout the year."

In the recent indoor season, Lyles improved his personal best in the 60m to 6.43 seconds. He then finished slightly slower in the world championship final, coming in second place behind fellow American Christian Coleman.

Lyles secured another silver in the 4x400m relay, marking his second official performance in the event. Now, he is focusing on ramping up his training for the outdoor season, with a primary goal of preparing for the Olympics.

Reflecting on his journey, Lyles shares, “To be honest, I feel like the past three years have all been leading up to this moment." He continues, "Looking back at 2023, it served as the blueprint for 2024. We executed it so well that now it almost feels like we're on autopilot."

Bolt takes 100m gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Jamaican's last Games.

Bolt takes 100m gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Jamaican's last Games.

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The main reason for his success last year, Lyles adds, was upping his intensity in the weight room.

He mentions that he has been lifting weights more frequently. He clarifies that he was already lifting weights before, but now there is a higher intensity and focus in the weight room.

He explains that he has made significant progress in other areas, so focusing on increasing his weightlifting was the final piece of the puzzle.

Lyles’ journey to success has had its ups and downs. Three years ago, he was expected to win the 200m gold at the Tokyo Olympics, but despite a strong start, he ended up finishing third.

After facing setbacks, Lyles regained his status as a top sprinter by winning multiple world championship titles. Now, he is determined to showcase his talent on the global stage in Paris later this year.

"After Tokyo, I felt a fire burning inside me, fueling my determination even more," he explains. "Every time I step onto the track, whether it's a world championship or any race, it's clear that I am not satisfied yet and I have a lot more to offer.

"As I prepare for Paris, my mindset is focused on showing that the previous race was just a minor setback. I am ready to take on multiple races and events, proving that I am capable of achieving success in more than just one competition."

Lyles runs for the USA in the 4x400m relay final.

Lyles runs for the USA in the 4x400m relay final.

Lyles, a prominent figure in his sport, has a well-established contract with Adidas and other brands. He is known for his passion for fashion and music, which he frequently discusses outside of his track career.

He stirred up some well-known basketball figures last year by questioning why NBA championship-winning players called themselves world champions. He jokingly asked, "World champion of what? The United States?" Kevin Durant responded by suggesting someone should "help this brother," while Aaron Gordon made a playful comment, saying, "I’m smoking buddy in the 200m."

Lyles, however, viewed the reaction in a positive light. He believed it was a reflection of his recent accomplishment: winning his first-ever world championship title in the 100m race. "When I was crowned the world's fastest man, suddenly everyone paid attention. People were surprised, thinking, 'The world's fastest man said that?' They couldn't believe it," Lyles shared.

Even though he had already won three gold medals at the world championships, it was receiving the title of the world's fastest man that truly made people take notice of him. "I already had three world championship gold medals, but once you're known as the world's fastest man, everyone starts to see you differently. They realize, 'Oh, he's someone important,'" Lyles explained.

Editor's P/S:

Noah Lyles's unwavering confidence and ambitious goals are both admirable and inspiring. His determination to surpass Usain Bolt's legendary records and make his mark on the sprinting world is a testament to his belief in his own abilities and his drive for greatness.

Lyles's journey to the top has not been without its challenges, including a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics. However, he has shown remarkable resilience and has used his setbacks as fuel for his success. His focus on improving his strength and conditioning has been a key factor in his recent accomplishments, and his dedication to his craft is evident in his consistent performances.

Lyles's off-track personality is equally impressive. His passion for fashion and music, and his willingness to engage with fans and other athletes, make him an engaging and relatable figure. His playful banter with NBA stars shows that he is not afraid to express his opinions, even if they spark playful responses. determination, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.