Noah Lyles: “Hard To Love the Country (America) That Sometimes Doesn’t Love You Back”

Noah Lyles will be representing the United States on an international stage at Paris 2024, a moment of immense pride and honour. However, for Lyles, this sentiment comes with complexity and contradiction. With his sights set on the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m events, a remarkable feat yet to be matched even by the incomparable Usain Bolt.

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It’s worth knowing no American has triumphed in the 100 or 200-meter races and the 4×100 relay victory since 2000. As Lyles, a black athlete, intensifies his preparations for Paris, he acknowledges the weight of representing his country. Lyles recognizes the complexity inherent in this responsibility, as he expressed in a recent interview.

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Noah Lyles challenges expectations as a Black athleteADVERTISEMENT

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In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, he candidly expressed, “It’s a bittersweet moment. I’m American, and I truly believe that we are the best in the world, especially when it comes to sports. We have definitely been proving that dominance. … And it feels good to add on to that collection that the U.S. is the best,” acknowledging his pride in contributing to America’s sporting legacy while grappling with the challenges faced as a Black man in the United States. He further says, “ because being back in America, there’s a lot to deal with. I’m not going to go into everything, but it’s not easy. It’s hard to love the country that sometimes doesn’t love you back. “ Despite the hurdles, Lyles remains steadfast in his commitment to both his sport and his message.

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Reflecting on his role as a prominent figure in athletics, he embraces the responsibility of being a beacon for change and representation. As the countdown to the Olympics draws nearer, Lyles stands poised not only to chase gold medals but also to catalyze broader conversations and inspire future generations through his platform on the world stage.