Battling “Asthma, Anxiety, Depression”, History Maker Noah Lyles Clinches Olympic Gold
Noah Lyles clinched men’s 100m gold in Olympics© AFP
American sprinter Noah Lyles made history at the Paris Olympic Games on Sunday, becoming the first man in 20 years from the United States of America to clinch an Olympic Gold in the men’s 100m race. Having done the unthinkable, with the narrowest of margins in modern history, Noah now wants his thrilling Olympic 100m victory to have a transformative effect on his sport in the United States. But, Noah’s victory hasn’t come without its struggles. In a post on social media, the American sprinter revealed that he has been dealing with a number of issues like anxiety, depression, dyslexia, etc.
“I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!,” he posted on X.
I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression.
But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become.
Why Not You!
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 4, 2024
The 27-year-old Lyles has frequently complained of track and field’s low profile in the United States, where the NBA, National Football League and baseball dominate the sporting landscape.
But Lyles believes his nerve-shredding victory on Sunday, and the success of the recent Netflix documentary series “Sprint”, present an opportunity for his sport — and himself — to cash in.Â
“I want to see a continuation of the ability to take advantage of moments for our sport,” Lyles told a press conference.Â
“‘Sprint’ came out, it did amazing and I know that season two is already being filmed. They’ve been doing a good job and getting already our name out.Â
“What we need to do as a sport is take advantage and say ‘Hey, we need to make this as available as possible for people to come and watch’, so you don’t have to go to back alley websites to try and find or pay to watch websites to get a hold of this.Â
“This needs to be accessible because this is a world sport. So we need to be able to show it to the world.”
From a personal point of view, Lyles says he hopes his success can prompt a major sports equipment manufacturer to put his name on his own branded shoe in the style of NBA great Jordan’s deal with Nike.
Lyles noted that few US track and field athletes, including the likes of 1996 Olympic 400m and 200m champion Michael Johnson, ever had that opportunity.Â
“I want my own shoe,” Lyles said. “I want my own trainer. Dead serious. I want a sneaker. There ain’t no money in spikes.
“Even Michael Johnson didn’t have his own sneaker. I feel like for how many medals we bring back, the notoriety we get, the fact that hasn’t happened is crazy to me.Â
“So that needs to happen.”
Lyles meanwhile was simply relieved to deliver on his promise of victory after boldly stating all season that he was “unbeatable”.
“It feels good to back it up,” Lyles said. “I’ve seen tons of scenarios where athletes come in as a favourite and it doesn’t work out for them.”
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