Noah Lyles: Five Facts About World Champ As He Breaks Bolt’s Record

Martin Moses

updated at July 25, 2023 at 7:25 AM

Noah Lyles has over time cemented his name as the person to beat in the 200-metres
His name is now being discussed the same way as the greatest to ever do it: Usain Bolt
Apart from breaking records on the track, Lyles is also a musician, among other things

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Noah Lyles is basking in his recent achievement after he surpassed Usain Bolt's record for the most sub-20 second runs in 200-metre races.

The American sprinter powered on to victory at the London Diamond League on July 23 in a time of 19.47 seconds. It was his 35th race under 20 seconds in the 200m discipline - one more than Bolt.

Noah Lyles, Usain Bolt, London Diamond League — Noah Lyles celebrates after winning the London Diamond League on July 23. Photo by S Bardens.
Source: Getty Images

The 26-year-old has already declared his plans to attempt a double at the World Athletics Championships. He will be aiming to join Bolt and Allyson Felix as the only athletes to win three consecutive gold medals in the 200m.

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The Jamaican legend won four consecutive medals, while Lyles already has wins in 2019 and 2022.

The straight-talking American is often spicy in his interviews, calling it as he sees it. Sports Brief takes a look at some of the unknown facts about him, as first reported by the Olympics.

1. Lyles is a musician

Using his pseudonym Nojo18, Lyles is an artist and rapper who has over ten releases that can be found on popular streaming sites.

In 2019, he performed at the end of the 2019 Diamond League in Zurich alongside pole vault Olympic silver medalist, Sandi Morris, and the band Baba Shrimps.

2. Lyles advocates for mental health

The five-time Diamond League Champion is alive to the fact that pressure can, at times, get to athletes and stars - especially if results are not going their way.

He has boldly come out to admit that he has used anti-depressants previously:

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"So grateful to be able to share my mental health story. I am so happy and thankful for moments like these," said Lyles after meeting with the United States Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, during a mental health awareness meeting in 2022.

3. Lyles is a fashion lover

The third-fastest man ever in the 200m races has recently started to whip up his fellow athletes to take on more interest in how they dress when they arrive for races.

Ahead of the New York Grand Prix at the Icahn Stadium last month, Lyles walked out of the track draped in bold colours akin to what is usually seen on the red carpet of the Met Gala.

"I had to explain what the idea was to a lot of athletes, which I thought was going to be the easiest part because everyone watches the NBA and NFL. But I guess I’m the only one that pays attention," he said, as quoted by the New York Times.

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4. Lyles 'broke' Bolt's world record

In 2020, Lyles momentarily had the world in a chokehold when he 'smashed' Usain Bolt's 200m world record at the Inspiration Games in a time of 18.90 seconds.

At the time, he shattered Bolt's 19.19 that he set in 2009. However, as the Guardian reports, it was soon discovered he had actually run 185m and not 200m due to a mistake from the organisers, who placed him in the wrong lane.

5. Lyles is an anime lover

The Olympic bronze medalist is also a fan of anime, revealed after he stepped out with silver hair at the Athletics Championships in Doha 2019 to pay tribute to Goku from the Dragon Ball series.