'I just let people borrow it'- Olympic champion Noah Lyles exudes confidence to defend world title

Reigning 100m Olympic & World Champion Noah Lyles

'I just let people borrow it'- Olympic champion Noah Lyles exudes confidence to defend world title

Stephen Awino 15:43 - 06.12.2024

Olympic champion Noah Lyles will be hoping to carry his 2024 momentum into the 2025 season as he looks to defend his world titles in the 100m and 200m.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles is exuding confidence as he sets his sights on dominating the track once again.

Fresh off a remarkable 2024 season, where he faced sprinting giants like Jamaica's Kishane Thompson, fellow Americans Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek, and Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, Lyles is letting the world know he’s the one to beat.

"I always knew the title was mine. I just let people borrow it," Lyles said in an episode of season two of the Netflix docuseries Sprint.

"Everybody wants to be the fastest man in the world. People see you as a superhero. Now, when I walk into a room, it’s ‘fastest man in the world, champ.’”

Lyles, known for his electrifying personality, likened his preparations for the upcoming season to a global superstar gearing up for a show.

“Every time I start a new season, it’s like Beyoncé getting ready to go on tour. No matter what, it will always be a performance,” he added.

The 2024 Paris Olympics were a testament to Lyles' incredible talent. In the 100m final, he edged out Thompson in a nail-biting finish, both clocking an impressive 9.79 seconds, with Lyles taking gold by a mere millisecond.

However, the 200m proved to be more challenging. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo clinched gold, followed by Bednarek with silver, while Lyles secured the bronze.

Despite narrowly missing out on double gold, Lyles' consistent performances have cemented his status as one of the greatest sprinters of his generation.

Lyles has kept himself in the spotlight through ventures outside competitive racing. Most recently, he participated in a high-profile 50m charity race against popular YouTuber IShowSpeed, claiming a $100,000 cash prize for his victory.

Currently, Lyles is training in Las Vegas, sharpening his skills before heading to Clermont, Florida, his designated training base for the 2025 season as he gears up to defend his title and continue his reign as the world’s fastest man.