Noah Lyles on the integral role family has played in his desire to 'change' track and field

Noah Lyles on the integral role family has played in his desire to 'change' track and field

Mark Kinyanjui 18:22 - 06.10.2024

Noah Lyles has explained the pivotal role his mother, father and siblings have played in helping him 'change' track and field forever.

Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles has always been open about the pivotal role his family has played in his life, both in his athletics career and personal journey. 

Known for his candidness about emotions and mental health, Lyles continues to emphasise the importance of his family, including his mother Keisha Caine, his brother Josephus, his father Kevin, his sister Abby, and his Jamaican girlfriend Junelle Bromfield.

Lyles’ path to Olympic glory was far from easy, as the sprinter has faced numerous physical and mental health hurdles throughout his life. 

During his childhood, his family struggled financially, and Lyles himself has been vocal about his battles with depression. Yet, he and his family have remained united, supporting one another through these difficult times. Now, Lyles uses his platform to share his story and encourage others to push through adversity.

Speaking on The U.S Track and Field YouTube platform, Lyles expressed deep gratitude for the role his family has played in helping him navigate the ups and downs of his journey.

"It is a very comforting feeling and a very hard task to deal with as well," Lyles remarked. "You have me, my brother, my mom, and even my sister, and we are all in different parts and stages of our lives. 

"It’s hard to figure out whether I’m supposed to be happy for myself or compassionate and open to my brother, who’s chasing the same goal."

He further explained the delicate balance of emotions within the family, noting that communication is key. “With that comes a lot of communication, but we all know, no matter what, we have joy for each other, and that helps us get through any moment.”

One of the toughest periods in Lyles' life was in 2019, just before his first Olympics and during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The sprinter struggled with severe depression, pressure, and homesickness, especially after his brother Josephus didn’t qualify for the event. In one particularly challenging moment during his preparation for the 2019 World Championships in Doha, his mother, Keisha, flew to Amsterdam to visit, bringing with her his favorite cereal, Raisin Bran Crunch, to lift his spirits.

In an emotional interview with TIME ahead of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Lyles reflected on the turning point in his mental health journey. “I had to make a decision. I was like, all right, I’ve got to get better. I can’t let this control me,” he shared.

Lyles often credits his mother as his greatest source of inspiration. Speaking to NBC in July 2024, he tearfully revealed how much her sacrifices have meant to him and his brother. “My mom is a hard worker. I remember her saying constantly, ‘I don’t care what the job is; as long as I’m able to make money for my family, I’ll do the job. And I will do it to the best of my ability.’ That’s how I approach life,” he said, visibly moved.

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