Noah Lyles has always proclaimed his status as a star. He has shared this sentiment with anyone willing to listen—coaches, fellow competitors, and even the global audience through the high-profile Netflix documentary, Sprint. Now, there’s no denying it; on a soft, powdery blue evening in Saint-Denis, Lyles delivered one of the most astonishing finishes in Olympic sprint history, securing the gold medal in the men’s 100m at Paris 2024.
As the United States and world No. 1, Lyles cast a remarkable figure in the lead-up to the race. In person, he radiates an overwhelming charm, blending superstar appeal with unguarded honesty about his vulnerabilities and strengths, always fully engaged and commanding the spotlight. Arriving at the starting blocks in Paris for the men’s final—alongside the women’s event, a marquee highlight of the two-week spectacle—there was a palpable sense of a man on the precipice. But what was he on the edge of?
In the end, it took an extraordinary surge of willpower mid-race to capitalize on the moment. At the 50-meter mark in Paris, Lyles found himself in seventh place. The day began to stretch, the seconds morphing into something altogether different.
Instead of tightening and losing his momentum, Lyles executed a breathtaking slingshot finish, propelling himself through the field to clinch victory by a mere five-thousandths of a second. Thus, the Olympic Games, always eager for excitement and spectacle, has welcomed a new star.
At 27 years old, this is Lyles’ moment during these Games—the ideal star on the perfect stage. Just before the race, the Stade de France was transformed by a dazzling light display. A middle-aged man sporting sunglasses even appeared on the big screen, DJ-ing, seemingly adding another layer of glamour and electricity to the occasion.
Lyles’ main competitor in Paris was Kishane Thompson from Jamaica, a talented newcomer. So new to this elite level, Thompson didn’t even have a proper biography on the International Olympic Committee’s website; it merely states, Gender: male. Function: athlete.
Yet, he had looked phenomenal in the semi-finals, running as if the air was too thin for him. On Sunday night, he entered the arena roaring like a lion. Meanwhile, Lyles took a playful approach, skipping and dancing down the track, claiming great gulps of air. But was that truly a strategic move? Did it make sense to break from convention at this stage?
It’s well-known that larger pressures are at play. Seb Coe and World Athletics had envisioned a comprehensive strategy for these Olympic Games; essentially, it serves as a relaunch for track and field as a whole.
The epic era of Cold War rivalries has long passed, a period when sprint records were viewed as indicators of human progress, akin to the arms race or moon landings. The brilliance of Usain Bolt sustained the spectacle. However, since Rio 2016, this showcase has taken a backseat.
Sprinting shouldn’t be relegated in this manner. It’s an ideal spectator sport—simple and accessible. This is primal action: humans racing. Who is the fastest among them? Yet, on the spectrum of talent versus fame, the world’s finest sprinters remain some of the least recognizable elite athletes.
The solution lies in cultivating stars. World Athletics has made an investment in this direction. Recently, Coe mentioned in Paris that Sprint, of which he serves as executive producer, has become the sixth most viewed program on the platform. While it’s an impressive achievement, it’s also tailored to elevate its two most marketable figures, Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, into global stardom—an ambitious strategy tied to these Games.
Nonetheless, life often unfolds while one is making plans. There was remarkable glory in Julien Alfred’s victory in the women’s 100m on Saturday night, marking St. Lucia’s inaugural medal. Yet, there was also an element of unpredictability. The most exciting aspect of sports is that it rarely adheres to the script.
As the scene unfolded, Lyles and the men’s race commenced. The sky above the roof was still tinged with pink as the athletes readied themselves at the blocks. Sprinters come in various styles. Most conform to the archetype of the vengeful pursuer, forever chasing something. Others embody the essence of prey, racing as though fleeing from something. Britain’s rising star, Louie Hinchliffe, appears to run as if in a panic, chased by a swarm of bees.
Thompson represents the graceful type, the sprinter who captivates with effortless fluidity. This graceful movement, in its own right, conveys a subtle strength and control. Lyles fits into a hybrid category; he possesses a remarkable grace coupled with exceptional efficiency once he transitions past his initial drive phase into full flight.
However, his weakness remains his launch, which faltered yet again. Thompson surged ahead smoothly, claiming the air as he approached his moment. Suddenly, something peculiar transpired—the entire field appeared to tense up, as if they were moving backward while seemingly racing at supernatural velocity. Yet Lyles kept his composure. After all the declarations he made leading up to this race, it took just 30 strides to solidify his legacy. From that moment forward, the future appears to be wide open.
