Noah Lyles opens up on his courageous battle with asthma

Noah Lyles opens up on his courageous battle with asthma

Festus Chuma 12:30 - 20.08.2024

Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles shares his journey of managing asthma while pursuing a successful athletic career in sprinting.

Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles has recalled his lifelong struggle with asthma and how it influenced his athletic career, revealing a personal journey fraught with challenges but ultimately leading to triumph on the world stage.

In a heartfelt discussion on the 'Everybody Wants to Be Us' podcast, Lyles shared insights into the resilience and determination that defined his path to becoming an Olympic champion.

Despite achieving immense success, including a recent 100m gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, Lyles' journey was not without its hurdles.

From a young age, he faced a constant battle with asthma, which shaped his experience both on and off the track.

"It's funny because when I first started running, this used to be a very big conversation, then it died out and it's been coming back up again. I think at like three years old is when they officially diagnosed you with asthma and it was truly just you know, breathing machines, hospital visits, late nights up with my mom, going through coughing fits and, you know, of course, if you get sick and you get asthma they merge together and you get a super sickness," Lyles said during the podcast.

This candid revelation provides a glimpse into the complexities of managing a chronic health condition while pursuing high-performance sports.

Lyles' asthma was not just a minor inconvenience; it was a significant obstacle that required rigorous management and care. Despite these challenges, Lyles refused to let his condition define him or limit his aspirations.

His perseverance was evident when he took to social media after his Olympic victory to share his broader health struggles, including allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression.

"I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!," he wrote.

The physical toll of his condition was visible again shortly after his Paris victory when Lyles collapsed on the track after securing a bronze medal in the 200-meter final, his strongest event.

Asthma, a chronic lung disease, affects millions worldwide and is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

During an asthma attack, symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain can occur, severely impacting daily activities and, for athletes, performance levels.

The condition is triggered by various irritants, including dust, allergies, and air pollution.

Although asthma is incurable, it is manageable through medication and lifestyle adjustments aimed at minimizing exposure to triggers.

For athletes, managing asthma involves a delicate balance of maintaining peak physical condition while also caring for their respiratory health.

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