The American men who had won the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100 relay at world championships before this year are known to track fans: Tyson Gay and Maurice Greene.
Lyles made no secret that he would like to fill the void left by Bolt – a once-in-a-generation character who transcends sports and stands out as much on red carpets as on the track. Lyles also confronted the uncomfortable truth that since Bolt retired in 2017, his sport has struggled to maintain an audience outside the hardcore track fan.
Still, the numbers tell the story: The opening two days of world championships on the main network drew fewer viewers than preseason football, NASCAR, the final of the Women’s World Cup , and a Little League World Series Game. Some of that has to do with Lyles, the 26-year-old from Florida who has no problem positioning himself as the man trying to turn track into a must-watch proposition again. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes one person a can’t-miss TV product while others miss the mark. But if Lyles falls short, it won’t be for lack of effort.
He is curating a fashion sense, doing everything from picking the wardrobes to setting up the photo shoots for himself and other runners. He says he wants people to look for him in GQ as much as on the track. That he accomplished neither goal in Budapest is beside the point. That he put those numbers out there – the 9.65 would be the third-fastest of all-time and the 19.10 would shatter Bolt’s 14-year-old world record – is what set the stage for his triumphant run through the championships.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
American Noah Lyles wins 200 meter World Athletics championship, matching his 100m goldSaid and done.
Read more »
American Noah Lyles wins 200 meter World Athletics championship, matching his 100m goldSaid and done.
Read more »
Noah Lyles becomes first men's sprinter to win 100m and 200m since Usain BoltZoah Lyles won double gold at the world championships after capturing his third-consecutive victory in the 200 meters.
Read more »
Noah Lyles cruises to 200 meters gold, claims world championships doubleSprinter becomes the first man since Usain Bolt to win 100-200 golds at a major global meet, but it was another of Bolt’s accomplishments he was really after.
Read more »
Noah Lyles Wins Sprint Double at World ChampionshipsThe American became the first man to win the 100- and 200-meters at the meet since Usain Bolt.
Read more »
Noah Lyles Cements His Legendary Status With Twin Wins in 100 and 200After the first 100 meters, the outcome was never in doubt.
Read more »