Noah Lyles has ambitious plans following his gold medal win in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a feat that has officially deemed him the world’s fastest man.
In a post-meet press conference, Lyles spoke about the lack of opportunity and partnerships for track and field athletes, regardless of how successful they may be.
Responding to a question on what the future will look like for both himself personally and American track moving forward, Lyles succinctly responded, “I want my own shoe.”
“I want my own trainer. Dead serious,” he continued.”
The sprinter then clarified that he wants a signature sneaker – not a spike, the cleat-like show runners wear on the track – noting “there’s no money in spikes.”
Lyles pointed out how track and field athletes have been systematically overlooked, pointing out that sprinter Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and the only person to win both the 200m and 400m, never got his own shoe.
“I feel like, for how many medals we get, the notoriety we bring back, the fact that that hasn’t happened, that’s crazy to me,” Lyles added.
American track and field star @LylesNoah wants his own signature trainer shoe after winning gold at the 100m final today 🥇🏃♂️💨 pic.twitter.com/5jkg9C8Diu
— KicksFinder (@KicksFinder) August 5, 2024
