Paris Olympics: Carl Lewis expresses his admiration for Lyles, as Champion reveals error that almost cost him title
In the competitive world of athletics, standing out requires exceptional talent and personality. Noah Lyles, a 27-year-old sprinter, achieved his first Olympic gold in the men's 100m dash in Paris, but his influence on the sport had already been well-established.
Lyles' vibrant personality has captured the attention of track enthusiasts worldwide, including the legendary Carl Lewis, who praised Lyles after his recent triumph.
Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and athletics icon, recently shared his thoughts on Noah Lyles. Speaking with EssentiallySports' Paris Olympic correspondent, the 63-year-old expressed his admiration for Lyles' dynamic presence.
"He's a person with crazy energy... he has some electric energy," Lewis remarked.
The conversation also touched on their collaboration for a Tide commercial during the Paris Olympics, where Lewis noted Lyles' professionalism and charisma.
Reflecting on their time working together, Lewis was impressed by Lyles' humility and grounded nature, traits that stood out in an era where the pressures of the sport often challenge athletes.
"He was extremely professional. I had a great time with it and we became friends out of that," he added.
Their professional relationship has since developed into a personal friendship, solidifying Lewis' support for Lyles as he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
During the ad shoot, Lewis also had the opportunity to meet Lyles' family, including his mother, Keisha Caine. Lewis praised Lyles' character.
"He had a lot of his family there, and he's a nice kid with a nice family. I really enjoyed it," he concluded.
The impression Lyles left on the legendary athlete speaks volumes about his impact on the sport.
Known for his high-energy persona, Lyles embraces his uniqueness both on and off the track. His brightly painted nails, ever-changing hairstyles, and confident demeanor are part of his strategy to maintain a competitive edge.
Meanwhile, Lyles has shrugged off his semifinals defeat at the 2024 Olympic Games and revealed it gave him the fuel needed to take gold in the 100m sprint after he almost lost before getting to the final.
Lyles had attempted to gloat to his rival, Oblique Seville, by staring him down as they crossed the line in their semifinal only for the Jamaican to beat him to the punch to win the heat. It turned out that loss gave the 27-year-old what he needed to keep his head screwed on.
"These are like the hardest fought medals I've ever had to do," Lyles said after winning gold in the 100m sprint. "I came out here in the first round and I underestimated it.
"And I said, 'Never again. I'm gonna come out here with the intention to win every round.'
"Even though I didn't get the win in the semis, all that matters is the last one."
Lyles did, in fact, prove to be correct with his sense of underestimating the opposition as he ended up winning what became the tightest Olympic men's 100m sprint in history with just 0.12 splitting fastest from last.
Kishane Thompson of Jamaica, who finished as the runner-up and silver medalist, was just 0.005 off the victory whilst Kerley Fred was only 0.02 back as he set his seasonal best time to take bronze.
Whilst Seville finished last, he appeared to pull up before the flag resulting in the 0.12 gap to Lyles' 9.79 time. It's unclear if he was injury or simply conceded the race not realizing a podium was barely a tenth away.
