Usain Bolt has agreed with Noah Lyles, explaining how expressing their personalities can make them grow the sport and earn more money.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has backed Noah Lyles’ stance on the significance of track and field athletes embracing their personalities to help the sport grow, attract more investors, and evolve into a more marketable spectacle.
Bolt, who redefined track and field with his electrifying celebrations and charismatic demeanor, stood out in an era where athletes typically maintained a serious, reserved approach.
His ability to blend world-class performances with showmanship not only set him apart but also made him a magnet for sponsors and global recognition.
Faith Kipyegon has agreed with Noah Lyles’ sentiments on why athletes should do much more than just race during athletic meets.
Speaking on The Fix Podcast, Bolt revealed that his personality played a crucial role in increasing his financial success beyond the track.
“One of the biggest things I learned by working with sponsors is that your personality attracts them,” Bolt shared. “I was fun and relaxed, and then my talent came with it. I would laugh and chat with them like that any time we pitched.”
Emphasizing the importance of image, Bolt added, “One thing I learned is that image is everything, and so that is how I made more money outside of track.”
His approach allowed him to break financial barriers for a Jamaican athlete, given that track stars from nations like the United States and Great Britain traditionally earn more through endorsements and sponsorship deals.
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Frustrated Usain Bolt has opened up over how he plans to fix his country Jamaica to recover the nearly $13 million that he lost from an investment scheme two years ago.
“I am still Jamaican, but if I had switched to another country, I would have made way more money. Top countries like Great Britain, I would have made more money.”
Bolt also addressed the necessity of maintaining a clean sport, noting that scandals deter investors. “We want the sport to be clean. Moving forward, the sport can get better and cleaner because the more there are scandals, the more investors will be put off.”
Noah Lyles, known for his bold and expressive personality, has drawn both admiration and criticism for his outspoken nature.
Fellow sprinters like Letsile Tebogo and Fred Kerley have accused him of being arrogant, cocky, and attention-seeking. However, legendary track star Carl Lewis, who was one of the first athletes to achieve global superstardom beyond the track, has staunchly defended Lyles.
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Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles have opened up about their rivarly, as well as the contrasting differences in their personalities.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Lewis called out Lyles’ critics and praised him for his individuality.
“@LylesNoah, it may be a tough time in your life right now, but your antics and talent are why they watched your race. There are very few global superstars in this sport, and the masses benefit from the few… Think about how easy it is to ride just to stay quiet and win.”
Lyles, in response, acknowledged the support he has received from both Bolt and Lewis, recalling the encouragement he once received from the Jamaican icon.
“It’s very nice to hear,” Lyles told Inquirer. “Bolt told me the same thing. It’s nice to not have everyone criticize you constantly and call you co**y and arrogant.”
During a pre-race press conference ahead of the 2025 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where he was set to open his season in the 60 meters, Lyles reiterated his vision for the sport’s future.
“For a long time, it was to prove, I am the world’s fastest man. I knew that eventually I would achieve that goal. Now I am moving on to my second goal, which is: Transcending the sport,” Lyles explained.
“I have my own concepts and beliefs on how to make that happen. There are a lot of organizations that don’t believe that my thoughts are the way to go about it.”
“Deciding to go with how I feel and how I choose to wear the crown or to go with the flow of everyone else, that has been currently the hardest part of this transition that I’ve been in.”
With the backing of track and field greats like Bolt and Lewis, Lyles remains committed to reshaping the sport’s image, ensuring that personality and showmanship become key aspects of its future growth.
