American sprinter Noah Lyles has revealed the surprising reason behind his bold pre-race antics, explaining how they impact his performance.
Olympic champion Noah Lyles has made a revelation on the reason behind his signature pre-race antics, claiming they are not just for show but an essential part of his winning formula.
The American sprinter, known for his electrifying energy and crowd engagement, insists that controlling the atmosphere before a race is just as critical as his raw speed.
For years, fans and critics alike have debated whether Lyles’ animated pre-race performances—his bold walkouts, playful interactions with the crowd and larger-than-life confidence—are mere theatrics or a strategic advantage.
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However, in a recent interview, the 100m and 200m world champion made it clear: it is all part of a carefully crafted psychological battle.
“Before I head out, my coach is like, ‘Control the crowd, control the race.’ Nobody knows how to control a crowd like me, so if you want to go out and yell, that’s cool,” Lyles explained on this week’s Beyond the Records Podcast.
The sprinter is convinced that by commanding attention before the gun even goes off, he is already gaining an edge over his competition.
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He believes that when he steps onto the track, it’s not just about speed; it is about presence.
And his presence, whether through an animated introduction or a swagger-filled warm-up, is designed to get inside his opponents’ heads.
“I’m not here for you; I’m here for the crowd,” Lyles said, referencing his on-camera moments.
Rather than conforming to traditional pre-race expectations, he embraces the spotlight, ensuring that the moment belongs to him before the starting gun even fires.
And his approach is backed by results as at the World Championships in Budapest he dominated both the 100m and 200m, proving that his confidence is not misplaced.
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Mo Farah has reflected on his toughest career race, crediting his Kenyan rival for pushing him to his limits.
Most notably, in Paris, Lyles ran an incredible 9.79 seconds to win gold. Despite being in last place at the 50-meter mark, his belief in his abilities never wavered.
Rai Benjamin, an Olympic medalist in the 400m hurdles, agrees that Lyles’ antics serve a greater purpose.
“I always say to people in track and field, you need to have an unhealthy amount of self-confidence and narcissism to be any good,” Benjamin noted.
Doubt is an enemy, and his theatrics are a way of eliminating it—not just for himself but for those around him.
Critics may dismiss his performances as unnecessary, but Lyles insists that they are an integral part of his race strategy.
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Clarke, himself a former athlete who represented Jamaica, has explained how his company Auctus Global Sports managed Kenny Bednarek into overcoming persistent injury issues to enjoy a good 2024.
His energy, his theatrics, and his swagger are not just for the cameras; they are calculated moves designed to establish dominance before the race even begins.
And when the race does start? He delivers. Every time.
