American track and field star Noah Lyles had a message for everyone on Sunday after winning gold in the 100 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics and becoming the fastest man in the world.
Lyles took to social media to urge his fans not to let what they perceive as obstacles in life define them.
“I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, anxiety and depression.” he wrote on Sunday night. “But I say what you have doesn’t determine what you can become.
“Why not you!”
Lyles beat Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by 0.005 seconds in a race that was officially timed at 9.784 seconds, with the American having to lean across the finish line, resulting in a photo finish.
“I was just waiting for my name to come up, to be honest with you. [to Thompson] “And I thought, ‘I think you can win, big dog!'” Lyles told reporters. “Something told me I needed to lean, so I thought, ‘I’m going to lean,’ because that’s the type of race it is.”
Lyles is the first American to win Olympic gold in the race since Justin Gatlin won in 2004, and will have a chance to win gold again if he reaches Wednesday’s 200-meter final.
Fred Curley of the United States won the bronze medal in this event.
“Honestly, I just believe in myself,” Lyles told Flowtrack. “I’ve run worse times and I’ve run faster 60s. I’m like, ‘Oh man, man, I’m wowed. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. I thought I would have a better time, but this just goes to show that reaction times don’t win races.”
During the post-race celebration, Lyles removed his name tag and held it up for the crowd before being seen embracing his girlfriend, fellow runner Jenelle Bromfield of Jamaica.
