Noah Lyles runs 100 Sunday and tries to become first American to win gold since 2004
American sprinter Noah Lyles has a chance to be crowned the fastest man in the world Sunday. But he's going to have plenty of competition.
SAINT-DENIS, France — Will Noah Lyles be crowned the world's fastest man? Lyles certainly thinks so. At the USA track and field introductory news conference, he proclaimed himself the fastest man on the planet. He will have the chance to back up those words on Sunday when the men's Olympic semifinals and final take place at the Stade de France.
Lyles, who got off to a slow start in Paris by his own high standards, finished second behind Great Britain's Louie Hinchliffe in the opening round of the men's 100. However, he remains confident and attributed his initial performance to underestimating his competition. "I guess that's my first lesson in underestimating the power of the Olympics," he reflected. "Now I don't have to hold back. Now that I know everybody is ready to go... I'm ready to go."
Team USA hasn't won an Olympic gold in the men's 100 since 2004 when Justin Gatlin took gold at the Athens Games. Similarly, the US women's team hasn't claimed gold in the same event since 1996 when it was hosted in Atlanta. With Sha'Carri Richardson placing second in the sprint event on Saturday, the pressure is on for Lyles to end the drought.
The competition is fierce, with Jamaica's Kishane Thompson being the fastest man in the world this year with a time of 9.77. However, Lyles is not deterred and is slated to run the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay. He already has Olympic experience under his belt, having won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
As the semifinals and finals approach, Lyles opens up about his challenges coming off antidepressant medication during the Tokyo Olympics. He spoke about the difficulty of finding balance and managing his mental health.
With the world watching, Lyles is determined to prove himself as he strives to become the world's fastest man and bring home the gold for Team USA.
The stage is set, and the world awaits the outcome of the highly anticipated men's 100m event at the Olympics. With Lyles in contention, the competition is sure to be thrilling.
Lyles, who got off to a slow start in Paris by his own high standards, finished second behind Great Britain's Louie Hinchliffe in the opening round of the men's 100. However, he remains confident and attributed his initial performance to underestimating his competition. "I guess that's my first lesson in underestimating the power of the Olympics," he reflected. "Now I don't have to hold back. Now that I know everybody is ready to go... I'm ready to go."
Team USA hasn't won an Olympic gold in the men's 100 since 2004 when Justin Gatlin took gold at the Athens Games. Similarly, the US women's team hasn't claimed gold in the same event since 1996 when it was hosted in Atlanta. With Sha'Carri Richardson placing second in the sprint event on Saturday, the pressure is on for Lyles to end the drought.
The competition is fierce, with Jamaica's Kishane Thompson being the fastest man in the world this year with a time of 9.77. However, Lyles is not deterred and is slated to run the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay. He already has Olympic experience under his belt, having won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
As the semifinals and finals approach, Lyles opens up about his challenges coming off antidepressant medication during the Tokyo Olympics. He spoke about the difficulty of finding balance and managing his mental health.
With the world watching, Lyles is determined to prove himself as he strives to become the world's fastest man and bring home the gold for Team USA.
The stage is set, and the world awaits the outcome of the highly anticipated men's 100m event at the Olympics. With Lyles in contention, the competition is sure to be thrilling.