Since Usain Bolt retired from the track, the world of athletics has been on the lookout for a new star, and this weekend might just unveil one.
Noah Lyles is aiming to secure four gold medals. The American sprinter will compete in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, with his participation in the 4x400m relay still uncertain (though he is training for it).
It might seem monotonous to watch the same athlete dominate repeatedly. Bolt had a remarkable streak, winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m three times in a row from 2008 to 2016. (The 2008 4x100m team eventually faced disqualification due to a positive drug test from Jamaica’s Nesta Carter.)
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Carl Lewis believes track and field ‘needs’ Noah Lyles to emerge as the sport’s new face. (Getty Images)
However, Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and arguably the last prominent American figure in athletics, asserts that it would be “best for the sport” if Lyles could secure at least a couple of gold medals in Paris.
“The sport needs a champion like him. He’s the defending champion and the fastest man in the world right now—we need someone like him to rally around. I truly believe he’s the ideal candidate, and I’m excited about it,” Lewis told Fox News Digital in a recent conversation.
“Track and field thrives when it has a superstar. If Noah were to win, he would undoubtedly elevate the sport. Rather than hearing people ask, ‘I wonder who will win?’ they will be saying, ‘I hope he wins’ or ‘I don’t want him to win.’ Fans want someone to support or oppose, and that adds intensity. Historically, the sport has gained popularity with dominant players.”
Noah Lyles of the USA celebrates after finishing second in the Men’s 60m final during day one of the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2024 at Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. (Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
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Lewis is present in Paris with Lyles, as the two track stars have teamed up with Tide—a partnership that resonates with Lewis, who recalls his own competitive struggles. “To maintain cleanliness, we must adhere to the basics everyone else follows,” he remarks.
He describes joining the campaign with Lyles as a “no-brainer.”
“When they contacted me about working with Noah, I was thrilled. He’s an exceptional young athlete, and I’m a huge admirer of his. . . . It was an immediate no-brainer for me,” Lewis expressed.
While he may have insights on Lyles’ Olympic prospects, he refrains from making any forecasts.
“I’ve never made any predictions before, and I intend to keep that streak intact—because before you know it, they’re telling Noah, ‘Carl said you’re going to win today.’ So, I’ll skip that,” he jokes.
Noah Lyles of Team USA competes in the Men’s 60 Metres Heats on Day One of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 at Emirates Arena on March 1, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Lyles is set to compete in the 100m final on Sunday afternoon, followed by the 200m (his strongest event, where he hopes to break the world record) on Thursday, and the 4x100m relay on Friday. Additionally, he may participate in the 4x400m relay on Saturday.
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