One of the world’s best athletes, Noah Lyles, talked about family, faith, inspiring young black children and the pursuit of records and greatness in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News for Black History Month.
In August 2023, Lyles became a six-time world champion when he took home three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and relay in Budapest.
He became the first man since Usain Bolt to complete the sprint treble at a World Championships and is placed second behind him on the 200m world all-time list at the World Athletics Championships.
To celebrate Black History Month, Lyles spoke with Diversity and Inclusion reporter Christopher Reidy in an exclusive interview to talk about his faith, his representation and the role of importance his mother has in his life.
When asked about some of his career highlights, Lyles said: “Breaking the American record was a very fun moment. Doha, my first World Championships, was a lot of fun. Even now, that I am doing the walk-ins, changing the perspectives and creating my own doco-series – those right there are all career highlights. It’s ever-changing and I can never just settle down and say, ‘that’s the moment’.”
Lyles won two gold medals in the 200m and the relay at the 2019 World Championships held in Doha. In 2021, he went on to win his first ever Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo in the 200m men’s final.
Two years later, the 26-year-old claimed his second global title in the 200m and surpassed Michael Johnson’s longstanding national record of 19.32 by running 19.31 which moved him to third on the world all-time list, winning gold and silver medals.
USA’s Lyles completed the treble of gold medals at the World Championship in 2023
Lyles believes that mentality and faith are key in his career and urges people to change their mindset.
“I believe that God has put forth everything that I need to succeed. If there is a challenge, then He is giving me the challenge because He knows I have the tools and resources to be able to overcome that.”
“It’s the idea that each moment was made for me, not the other way around. Everybody thinks, ‘I’ve got to get ready for this big moment’, you’re thinking wrong. The moment was made for you to do something special.”
Lyles created his very own documentary with NBC called ‘Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project’ giving an insight into his athletic and personal life. It features stories from his childhood, his struggle with depression and his inspiration – his mother.
“My mum sacrificed a lot for me and my brother, whether that was taking jobs that weren’t as high-paying so that she could be closer to us or have time to be able to actually watch us develop and making sure that we were getting the right care that we needed, driving us to chiropractors and getting massages, or even doing research for the colleges that we wanted,” Lyles said.
Lyles and his brotherJosephus both compete for Team USA
“She made a lot of sacrifices for us that I don’t think a lot of parents really think about and she was very intentional with her parenting.”
Lyles mother, Keisha Cane, was a member of two 4x400m relay teams that won the NCCA National Championships and was the 1996 Big East Most Outstanding Performer, finishing her career-winning nine total conference championships.
“It’s nice that she was in the world of track and field, but she doesn’t really talk about it that much. She calls it BC – Before Children – and that’s where it is left!” Lyles said.
Lyles and his younger brother Josephus are both sprinters and decided to launch The Lyles Foundation in 2020 to empower young people through the advancement of health and wellness in communities.
Lyles celebrates after winning the 200m of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest
Lyles said: “We know there are tons of kids out there and youths that are striving to achieve what me and my brother have done and just don’t have the resources. We’ve always known that we wanted to give back to those communities, try to find those youth that can reach the top and give our insight, whether that’s with mental health, nutrition or even being physical – getting them into sports, introducing them to the right people.”
When asked about his black representation and the importance of diversity, Lyles acknowledges his heritage. However, he believes there is more to a person than the colour of their skin.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Donna Fraser, Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell, and Lorna Boothe reflect on their journeys from elite athletes to the boardroom
“To be honest, I just see myself as an athlete. Of course, I am black, and I do have that representation, but I feel I hate when I have to say that I am black. It’s a tough journey no matter who you are, I feel that is important for all of us to recognise.” Lyles said.
“I am going to show all my sides. Of course, I am going to show my black side – that’s why I grow out my hair, plait my hair, wear it in different styles because I know that there is probably a black kid out there who’s been told their hair is ugly and I’m out here, being a star, being seen on TV and going to the Olympics and showing that you can do your hair however you want, you’re still going to be fine.”
Although compared to the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, comparisons may seem premature as Lyles has not proved he is the world’s best on the Olympic stage.
But next summer in Paris he will have a chance to change that and repeat his feat at the World Championships, as he aims to bring home gold in the sprint races and be one of the sport’s biggest superstars.