'I have a lot of plans for 2025' - Why Olympic champion Noah Lyles is considering solo quest to revolutionize track & field

Noah Lyles is weighing up his options ahead of 2025

'I have a lot of plans for 2025' - Why Olympic champion Noah Lyles is considering solo quest to revolutionize track & field

Stephen Awino 19:18 - 14.12.2024

Olympic champion Noah Lyles, who has been vocal about the need for a revolution in track and field, is weighing his options ahead of 2025.

Olympic sprinting sensation Noah Lyles has long been a vocal advocate for bringing innovation to track and field.

However, his frustrations with the sport’s resistance to change may soon propel him to take matters into his own hands.

The reigning 100m Olympic champion, known for his drive to elevate the sport’s visibility and ensure athletes are appropriately compensated, has hinted at pursuing an independent path to spark the change he believes is overdue.

Lyles recently opened up about the challenges he faces within the current system in an episode of Beyond the Records podcast, stating, “I don’t think the sport wants to change. It’s been really difficult because I’ve kind of started coming to realizations that they’re very content where they are.”

He acknowledged being at a crossroads, deciding whether to venture out solo to create a new identity for the sport or remain within the existing framework and focus solely on his personal achievements.

Ultimately, Lyles seems set on charting his own course. “I think a lot of people already know the answer to that. I’m not going to stay where I am. I’m always going to try and push the envelope,” he affirmed, teasing major plans for 2025, hinting that details will emerge by the end of this year.

Lyles expressed dissatisfaction with the governing bodies of track and field, citing poor organization and a lack of enthusiasm for forward-thinking ideas.

Despite presenting innovative proposals, often backed by evidence of success, Lyles has found these suggestions met with hesitation or outright indifference.

“There’s not as much organization as I thought there would be,” he said, describing conversations where meaningful proposals were dismissed or treated as mere favors.

“We want to be heard as athletes. Let’s try to be proactive, not reactive in situations.”

While Lyles did not disclose specific details about his plans, his commitment to revolutionizing the sport is evident. His vision includes fostering collaboration between athletes and governing bodies and promoting proactive measures.

As the end of the year approaches, the world of track and field eagerly awaits Lyles’ next move.