Noah Lyles is not only the face of track and field in the United States, he could be the face of track and field around the world.
The 26-year-old just won three gold medals at the World Championships in Budapest last year and is currently preparing for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Lyles is the favorite to win the 200m and a favorite to break Usain Bolt’s world record of 19.19 seconds. He will compete in four events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m.
The United States has dominated the latter since the beginning of the Olympics. They have won 18 of the 25 gold medals in this event, including eight of the last 10. However, Americans haven’t won the 100m or 200m since 2004, and the US hasn’t won the 4×100 relay since 2000. , all eyes will be on Lyles, who represents the red, white and blue.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Noah Lyles celebrates after winning the silver medal in the men’s 60m final on the first day of the 2024 World Indoor Athletics Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. (Sam Burns/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
But Lyles says representing the country is “a contradiction in terms.”
“It’s a bittersweet moment. I’m an American, and I truly believe we’re the best in the world, especially when it comes to sports. We’ve definitely proven our superiority…and we’ll be adding to that collection. It feels good that “America is the best,” Lyles said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.
“But at the same time, my heart is heavy, because as a Black person in America, there are so many things that we have to deal with. I’m not going to mention them all, but it’s not easy. It’s hard to love the country that loves us sometimes. “I must not love you back.
“At the same time, I always want to do my best. So, even though it’s a little contradictory and my heart is heavy, I still feel very proud to be an American.”
Noah Lyles, the gold medalist for the US team, reacts after winning the men’s 100m final on the second day of the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary on August 25, 2023. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Lyles admitted that he had considered not participating in the sport because of his experiences, but that he felt he could do better by “staying in the sport, continuing to fight, and explaining my message by participating in the sport.” I feel like I can do it,” he said.
However, as mentioned above, the country expects Lyles to win the gold medal and carry the country on his back. That could certainly be a high-pressure situation for Lyles, but it’s not.
That’s because he wants to be the face of the sport.
Noah Lyles of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men’s 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary on August 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schroeder)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I feel like a lot of me as a person is a brand that promotes sports and stays ahead of the times,” he said. “That’s something I’ve always strived for. That’s why I have a media day where I do non-athletics interviews. Why don’t I answer most questions and just say ‘no comment’?”
“I want to get my voice and my thoughts out there and see people look at this sport and think, ‘Wow, I like that guy, I want to see more of him, I want to see more of this sport.’ ” This is what I asked for, so I don’t feel any pressure. ”
The Olympics will begin on July 24th, and track events will be held from August 1st to August 11th.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
