Triple world champion Noah Lyles praised Alexis Ohanian’s women-only Athlos event but suggested improvements for future editions.
Lyles, known for his enthusiastic presence, emphasized that while he appreciates the athlete introductions, they could benefit from more energy to engage the audience before races.
He stated that the current professional tone can dull the excitement surrounding track events and expressed a desire for a change. “I love these introductions at @athlos. I want to hear even more energy when announcing these Women!!! Forget trying to sound professional let’s get loud and extra!” he declared.
Although Lyles did not attend the event at Icahn Stadium in New York City, he actively supported the initiative from home.
He engaged with the ongoing discussions on social media and suggested incorporating a “celebrity cam” to capture interactions with both track and non-track stars. “I would love to see a celebrity cam from @athlos with track stars and non-track stars,” he tweeted.
The women-only event featured 36 athletes competing in multiple disciplines, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m, and 1500m. Among the standout performances, triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas competed in the 200m, finishing second behind Brittany Brown.
Faith Kipyegon maintained her impressive form by winning the 1500m, while Mary Moraa placed behind Tsige Duguma in the 800m. Jasmine Camacho-Quinn took top honors in the 100m hurdles.
Lyles, who wrapped up his season following the Olympic Games due to a positive COVID-19 test, has spent his off-season with his girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, and his mother, Keisha Cane Bishop.
He has been active in media interviews, aiming to enhance his brand as he prepares for the next season. Lyles intends to defend his 100m and 200m titles at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
In summary, while celebrating the Athlos event, Noah Lyles highlighted the need for greater excitement during athlete introductions. His suggestions reflect his commitment to elevating the atmosphere of track events and engaging audiences more effectively.
With his ongoing support for women in athletics and his focus on personal growth, Lyles remains a significant figure in the sport as he looks ahead to future competitions.
