Noah sets a new goal after two world gold medals: “In 2026, I want to beat Usain Bolt’s 19.19 in the 200m.”
Better than him was his compatriot Melissa Jefferson with her triple win in the 100-200-4×100. Noah Lyles, bronze medalist in the 100m at the World Championships in Tokyo, went on to win gold in the same events. And in the 200m, with a time of 19.52, for the fourth consecutive time after Doha 2019, Eugene 2022, and Budapest 2023. Only Usain Bolt, between Berlin 2009 and Beijing 2015, has done the same. This brings the American’s total number of world medals to 10: in the men’s field, only Bolt, with 14, and LaShawn Merritt, with 11, have won more in history. Now Noah, relaxing on a sofa at the home of Adidas, his technical sponsor, can celebrate another starring role at the age of 28. His face, which has been plastered all over the city for two weeks, is increasingly a symbol of world athletics.
He immediately said: “I’m waiting for 2027 to become the only one with five titles in the 200.” Can you confirm that?
“The next season will be one without any major global events, without any major stress: I naturally look beyond that. But actually, I do have a more immediate goal.“
What would that be?
”I still have to talk to Coach B (Lance Brauman, ed.) about it, but I’d like to create the right opportunity to go after Bolt’s world record of 19.19.”
What do you have in mind?
“Two or three ad hoc events over the course of a month, with the best athletes invited to compete in a single race. In the World Championships final, when, as in my case, you’re in your sixth race in a week, it’s difficult to go all out. This would be different.”
Looking for extreme situations, such as high-altitude tracks?
“No, I don’t like the idea: of course, you would need fast surfaces, like London, Beijing, or Tokyo, and favorable weather conditions. The ideal would be to use facilities that have already hosted prestigious events.”
Did you know that Pietro Mennea set the then world record of 19.72 seconds in the 2250 meters in Mexico City in 1979?
“Who?”
Mennea, Pietro Mennea.
“I’m passionate about athletics history, even outside the United States. But I don’t go back as far as the 1970s. I’m sorry, I don’t know who he is.”
Let’s stick to Italian names: did you know that Marcell Jacobs is considering retirement?
“I’d like to talk to him in person to understand how he really feels. It’s a very personal matter, I won’t comment on it. I can only suggest that he think carefully about it. And if it’s a problem with injuries, to stay calm, get treatment, and try again. Maybe it’s just a matter of changing something in his running style.”
You have overcome many disorders in the past, from asthma to dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to depression. And they are sad memories: not because I didn’t do better than bronze in the 200, but because it was during Covid and it affected me a lot.“
How did you overcome them?
”By talking about them as much as possible and thanks to the help of the right people, my mom Keisha in particular. She has always been a role model for me and my brothers.”
How did it feel to see the same stadium full of people again?
“It gave me a huge boost. I’m fine now, I’m happy, and I love what I do.”
In the 200m final, you made the difference in the last third of the race, as always. Were you always confident of winning?
“Absolutely, I was always in control. I didn’t start well, as in the semifinal with 19“51, but after entering the straight, when a couple of opponents were still ahead of me, I knew that my speed endurance, built up by doing 400-meter repeats, would make the difference.”
Do you also win on a psychological level?
“My rivals are forced to go all out from the first few meters to try to bother me. But that’s suicide. If you pass the 100 in 10.03, as Levell did, and you don’t beat me, it means you’re making mistakes.”
Did you expect this podium lineup, with Bednarek taking silver and Levell himself taking bronze?
“I thought the Jamaican would come second and Kenny would fight for bronze with Tebogo (fourth by 1/100, ed.).”
Before the start, you held your arms up for a long time and then, as you lowered them, with your mane of blonde braids blowing in the wind, you imitated a lion’s roar: was that all planned?
“You know how I feel: athletics must also be spectacle, entertainment. People may not like my attitude, but it’s my way of getting pumped up and engaging the audience.“ TV series, videos, musical experiences: what else do you have up your sleeve to win over new fans? ”A couple of projects with my production company, but I can’t reveal the details yet. Please be patient for a year, a year and a half…”.
