Noah Lyles, after winning what many consider the most thrilling Olympic 100m final, expressed his desire for a custom-designed trainer, something even legendary US sprinter Michael Johnson never had.
Lyles, who aims to be a global influencer with three gold medals in Paris, raised his ambitions following his win over Jamaican Kishane Thompson. Lyles, featured in the Netflix Sprint documentary, feels he deserves a personalized shoe after adding the Olympic title to his three World Athletics Championship titles from Budapest last year.
“I want my own shoe – my own trainer,” said Lyles, who is sponsored by Adidas. “There’s no money in spikes. Even Michael Johnson didn’t have his own sneaker. Considering the medals we win and the recognition we get, it’s crazy this hasn’t happened.”
Among the fans at the Stade de France was American rapper Snoop Dogg, whom Lyles jokingly challenged to a race. “As the Olympic champion, I hold the title of the world’s fastest man. This has been years in the making,” he said.
After the race, Lyles admitted he initially thought he had lost in the photo-finish. “We were waiting for the results, and I honestly told Kishane, ‘I think you’ve got this, big dog.’ He was in lane 4, and I was in lane 7, so I couldn’t see clearly. I was ready to see his name pop up, but when I saw mine, I thought, ‘Goodness gracious, I’m incredible.’ This is the one I wanted. Everyone was prepared for the fight, and I wanted to prove that I’m the best among them all. I’m the wolf among wolves.”
Lyles is set to compete in the men’s 200m heats on Monday and is confident about winning gold, potentially challenging Usain Bolt’s world record. “I am very confident,” he said. “Kenny Bednarek’s fast time in the trials woke me up. But none of them will win. When I come off the turn, they’ll be disheartened.”
Fred Kerley, who won bronze and was next to Lyles at the press conference, reacted with skepticism, saying, “You’re talking nonsense, man.”
Also Read: Noah Lyles Wins Gold For USA In Men’s 100m: Paris Olympics 2024
