Paris 2024 Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles continues to be the centre of attention on and off the track. With his participation in the second season of Netflix’s documentary series, Sprint, Lyles not only showcases his athletic talent, but also his charisma and vision, establishing himself as one of the most relevant figures in athletics today.
The series offers an intimate look at the most dramatic moments of the season, including her health crisis during the 200m final, when he competed despite having contracted Covid. These scenes reveal not only Lyles’ strength, but also the emotional and physical background of Olympic athletes in their quest for greatness.
NOAH LYLES, A CHAMPION UNAFRAID TO SPEAK OUT
Beyond his achievements on the court, Lyles has proven himself to be an unfiltered athlete. His critical commentary towards the NBA, questioning the title of “world champions” for his teams, generated controversy and placed him at the centre of a debate on sports marketing. “I have no animosity towards the NBA,” Lyles said, arguing that his intention was to highlight how the sport can leverage branding strategies.
In addition, Lyles has been a voice on social issues, especially as an African-American man in the United States. He acknowledges the duality of his patriotism, reflecting on the ups and downs of his experience as a black athlete representing his country.
IMPACT OF ‘SPRINT’ ON ATHLETICS
Produced by Box to Box Films, the same team behind Drive to Survive, Sprint has played a crucial role in popularising athletics beyond the Olympic years. In its second season, it broadens its focus to include rising stars such as Julien Alfred and explores the pressure and rivalries between elite runners.
Lyles, with his bold personality and distinctive style, is the focus of the series, which has led to increased visibility for athletics on global platforms. From his participation in events such as the recent Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix to his interaction with mass content creators, Lyles is expanding the reach of the sport in unconventional ways.
BALANCING GLORY AND SACRIFICE
Sprint’s narrative also touches on personal aspects, such as Lyles’ relationship with his partner, Jamaican athlete Junelle Bromfield. The series suggests that Bromfield, who had a limited performance at Paris 2024, may have prioritised Lyles’ well-being during her recovery from Covid. “It’s not my story to tell,” Lyles said, leaving open the possibility that Bromfield will share her version in the future.
These moments reflect the complexity of relationships in top-level sport, where personal and professional decisions often intertwine in unexpected ways.
A NEW ERA FOR ATHLETICS
Lyles also faces criticism for his involvement in activities outside of traditional competitions, such as his race against content creator IShowSpeed. However, the athlete defends these initiatives as a way to attract new audiences to athletics. “If we think everything is beneath us, we’re not going to move forward,” he says, arguing that visibility is key to the growth of the sport.
With Sprint, Lyles not only shares her story, but also redefines what it means to be an athlete in the modern era. In a sport searching for its next global icon, Lyles seems to have taken the baton not only as a champion, but as an ambassador for athletics on the world stage.
