Noah Lyles, a four-time World 200m champion, is redefining what it means to be a champion. After missing out on the 100m gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he finished third, Lyles reflected on how he approaches defeat. Rather than letting a loss define him, Lyles focuses on the process, highlighting that victory and defeat are part of the same journey. His philosophy is simple: “Nobody is dying,” and the ultimate goal is to enjoy the sport, regardless of the outcome.
While fans often expect continuous success from athletes, Lyles has a different view. He acknowledges the pressure but insists on staying true to himself and his love for the sport. For Lyles, it’s not just about collecting medals but about how one responds to challenges. He advises young athletes to accept loss as a valuable part of their growth and to pivot, learn, and reinvent themselves when setbacks occur.
“Learning how to take losses, adjust, and pivot are crucial skills,” Lyles explains. He advocates for mental health awareness in sports, revealing that he prioritizes his mental well-being before each race. His commitment to self-awareness is evident in his consistent ability to bounce back from setbacks, even as he continues to dominate in the 200m and 4x100m relay.
Lyles also emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in sport. To be a true champion, he says, athletes must recognize their weaknesses and work on them, not just their strengths. This holistic approach to training and competition has allowed him to continue excelling while maintaining his mental health.
For Lyles, it’s about more than just results. His joy for the sport is what drives him, whether standing on the podium or reflecting on a loss. He believes the connection between athletes and fans is often too close, with people assuming they know everything about an athlete’s journey. But Lyles reminds everyone that the most important thing is to enjoy the moment, win or lose, and appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
Noah Lyles’s mindset serves as a reminder that true champions are not defined by their medals but by their resilience, their ability to face adversity, and, most importantly, their passion for the sport.
