Aviva Fried / Photo credit: KEMPINAIRE STÉPHANE / KMSP / KMSP VIA AFP
If the French are struggling during these World Athletics Championships in Budapest, there is one for whom everything smiles: the American Noah Lyles, 27, in turn signs the double, seven years after the legend Usain Bolt . And the champion, with a strong character, obviously does not intend to stop there.
The United States, star of the World Athletics Championships. With 23 medals, the country is at the top of the rankings, far ahead of the French, left struggling since the abandonment of Kevin Mayer. Two of those medals were won by sprint star Noah Lyles. The American won the 100 meters and the 200 meters. He is the first athlete to achieve this double since Usain Bolt in 2015. And it is the third consecutive title for the 27-year-old American over 200 meters. A champion with a strong character who sees far ahead.
“I know I will beat him”
Noah Lyles does not hide his ambition: he wants to break the world record for the 200 meters, set by Usain Bolt. He firmly believes in it. He announced it again a few days ago, just after winning the 100 meters. “In my head, I know I’m going to beat him. Everyone has their opinion, but I’m racing to beat him. I always knew I was the fastest man in the world,” he said. he argued in front of the press.
This self-confidence, the athlete has forged it in adversity. As a child, he suffered from asthma and attention disorders. He is dyslexic, he is harassed at school and it is athletics that will save him. He is good, very good and that encourages him to push his limits. Very quickly, he won titles but cracked at the Tokyo Olympics, settling for the bronze medal in the 200 meters. A setback he attributes to his mental health. He does not hesitate to admit having used antidepressants to overcome the pressure.
But Noah Lyles is a multifaceted champion. He is a fan of manga and a rapper in his spare time. Under the pseudonym of Nojo18, he released several original titles. An endearing personality who renews the world of athletics, still not recovered from the retirement of the god Bolt. But with Noah Lyles, the discipline may have its new idol.