Noah Lyles Aims for Sprinting Supremacy with Eyes on the LA 2028 Olympic Games
Following his triumphant 100m victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics, sprinting sensation Noah Lyles has openly discussed the milestones he believes are essential to solidify his status as the greatest American sprinter in history.
At 28 years old, Lyles boasts an extraordinary track record: Olympic gold in the 100m from Paris, two Olympic bronze medals in the 200m from both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, alongside eight world championship titles spanning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Lyles remains humble, stressing that he does not yet consider himself the ultimate American sprinting legend until he accomplishes one final, significant goal.
Lyles is firmly convinced that securing another Olympic 100m gold medal is vital to firmly etch his name into sprinting history. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, his hometown, only fuels his determination further.
“I’m not at that point yet. I feel I need to win one more 100m gold before I can confidently claim the title of the greatest,” Lyles expressed.
“When LA arrives and I manage to claim gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, only then will I feel justified in calling myself the greatest American sprinter.”
Discussions about the finest male sprinter in U.S. history inevitably bring up legendary figures. Jesse Owens, for instance, famously dominated the 1936 Berlin Olympics by securing four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m relay.
Other monumental athletes include Carl Lewis, who amassed nine Olympic golds across sprinting and long jump events, and Michael Johnson, renowned for his dominance in the 200m and 400m, notably capturing double gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Additionally, Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Athens 100m champion, remains a significant figure in American sprinting lore.
While the shadows of these sprinting greats are long and influential, Lyles remains steadfast in his pursuit. Achieving gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the Los Angeles Olympics would mark the pinnacle of his illustrious career.