Noah Lyles reveals unusual source of his larger-than-life personality

American sprint king Noah Lyles has explained where he draws his confidence from, and it is an unusual source.

Olympics 100m champion Noah Lyles is considered the biggest name in track and field currently not just for his wins but his personality.

Lyles’ larger-than-life persona has turned him into a star that is recognized beyond track and field, adding spice to a sport that had been missing such a figure since legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt retired in 2017.

The American wows the crowd with his pre-and post-race stunts and is not afraid to ruffle feathers by making controversial statements or telling truth to power.


The wait is over as Olympics champion Noah Lyles and NFL star Tyreek Hill have agreed to race each other, setting the stage for a major showdown.


That has earned him admirers and haters in equal measure but there is no denying that Lyles’ overconfidence has made track and field a great spectacle.

However, few understand the battles Lyles has had to fight to be this confident as he nearly quit the sport over three years ago due to depression.

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From 2020-2021, Lyles was not his true self as he was fighting depression in the months leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won bronze in 200m, and had to take antidepressants and embrace therapy to overcome it.

Lyles talked about this on the Beyond the Records Podcast last December and has opened up again on how that healing process has been crucial to boosting his confidence, having won four world titles and Olympics gold since overcoming depression.

“A man asked me at the airport how do I have so much confidence. I told him therapy. He said really? Why would I lie,” Lyles posted on X on Friday.

The 27-year-old is now considered the man to beat in 100m after claiming back-to-back titles at the 2023 World Championships and Paris 2024 Olympics and will want to make it four straight 200m gold at the World’s after missing it at the Olympics last year.

With his confidence, track and field fans can look forward to more entertainment both on and off the track from Lyles who will always make headlines whether he is winning or losing.