Olympic champion Noah Lyles has unveiled his ambitious plans to elevate track and field to one of the most esteemed and widely followed sports globally. His goal is to ensure that the sport commands significant respect and attention even after his career concludes.
As the reigning 100m Olympic champion, Lyles is driven to enhance the prominence of track and field so that it remains influential and respected long into the future. His vision extends beyond his personal achievements, aiming for a lasting impact on the sport.
Lyles is widely recognized as a leading figure in track and field, not only because of his performance but also due to his bold personality and actions both on and off the track. His outspoken nature and engaging presence have drawn considerable attention from athletics enthusiasts and stirred reactions outside the sport.
The American sprinter is committed to continuing his efforts, believing that his approach will contribute to the sport’s growth and ensure that future athletes also reap the benefits.
“I want to show my sport to the world, I want it to be entertaining,” Lyles told Access Hollywood.
“I want people to say hey I want to go to a track meeting just as much as I want to go to other events and say hey; Noah Lyles is here and he’s cheering on for his friend or athlete that he found new respect for at the Olympics.
“To be able to give platforms because when I leave, whoever comes after me does not have a hard time trying to fit themselves in. It is like I opened the door, now you can run through it.”
Lyles’ approach has received praise from both present and past athletes, with Olympic 400m champion Rai Benjamin recently endorsing him as a game changer. Benjamin believes that Lyles is having a greater impact on track and field than even legendary figures like Usain Bolt and others from their time.
“A lot of people came up through the ranks, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Yohane Blake but I think the level of attention that track and field now has because of who Noah is as a person, just his ability to bring the masses outside in track and field,” Benjamin told Sports Centre last week.
“Like the entire NBA was truly tuned in [into the Olympics] to see what could happen so the level of attention he [Lyles] has brought into the sport I feel like it has been phenomenal. Nothing like I have ever seen before in previous years.”
Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson has praised Noah Lyles for his outspoken stance on various issues impacting athletes. Johnson believes that Lyles’ vocal advocacy is crucial for advancing the sport and improving financial opportunities for competitors.
Johnson argues that Lyles’ willingness to address important topics is essential for elevating track and field and securing better earnings for athletes. According to Johnson, this kind of advocacy is necessary for driving positive change in the sport.
