Noah Lyles has opened up on the weakest part about his running, and how embracing biomechanics help him stay ahead of the curve against sprinting rivals like Kishane Thompson.
American sprint sensation Noah Lyles has opened up about a key vulnerability in his racing technique and how embracing biomechanics has transformed his performance on the global stage.
Since 2023, Lyles has been on an extraordinary run, showcasing his supremacy in athletics. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, he achieved a remarkable feat, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.
His victory in the 100m was especially pivotal, clocking a world-leading time of 9.83 seconds and earning his first global title in the event.
He carried this dominance into the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he further cemented his legacy with gold medals in both the 100m and 200m, with the former coming in an unforgettable photo finish against Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, both clocking 9.79 seconds.
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has confirmed that the club officially submitted all the paperwork on Tuesday, 5th March 2025, to acquire the land in Kasarani supposed to be used for the building of its stadium.
Despite these triumphs, Lyles has continually sought to refine his craft. While his top-end speed is renowned as one of his strongest assets, he has identified a critical weakness: transitioning from the drive phase to reaching his maximum velocity.
Speaking candidly on the Toure Show, Lyles explained, “My weakest part is my ability to get up to top speed. Some athletes are very good at getting to their top speed, but their top speed is not that high… That’s the thing I’ve had to work on for years.”
Lyles also revealed a personal challenge contributing to this struggle: his flat feet, which require extra effort to engage effectively during races. Through daily conditioning and meticulous preparation, he has addressed this limitation head-on.
)
South African Benni McCarthy playfully shares concerns as he takes charge of Harambee Stars
Central to Lyles’ evolution has been his work with Ralph Mann, a renowned biomechanist and former Olympian.
Using advanced software, Mann analyzed Lyles’ movements to identify inefficiencies in his starting mechanics.
From repositioning his hips in the set position to increasing foot turnover and reducing ground contact time, Lyles has adopted precise adjustments that have unlocked new levels of explosive power from the starting blocks.
)
How new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will manage to convince foreign-based players, including dual-citizens like Linton Maina & Djed Spence, to play for Harambee Stars.
These insights, paired with dedication, have allowed Lyles to maximize his potential. “You want a straight leg because it’s like a pogo stick,” Lyles explained, likening efficient biomechanics to a spring-like system that generates energy.
“When there’s a bend in the pogo, where’s the energy gonna go? You don’t know. That’s why you want to make sure you have a straight leg when you touch down.”
For aspiring athletes, Lyles offered a crucial takeaway: “If you want to be good at track, I advise you have to be strong at some form of biomechanics.”
As the 2025 season approaches, Lyles remains focused on refining his craft and further pushing the boundaries of what he can achieve. With biomechanics as a cornerstone of his training, this American sprint king shows no signs of slowing down.
)
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has joined the list of highest paid Africa national team coaches but he still does not compare to many others on the continent.