In a moment of triumph and faith, American track star Noah Lyles secured the title of “fastest man in the world” by winning the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The 27-year-old athlete’s victory on Sunday in Saint-Denis, France, was a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering faith in God.

Lyles narrowly beat Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just 5 milliseconds, an achievement he attributed to divine guidance. “I had to find my own journey with God, and a lot of that came through track because there were a lot of times where I thought I don’t know if I can do this,” Lyles told Premier Christian Radio following the race. “God, if you really want me to do this, give me a sign. He gave me a sign, and I said, ‘I’ll never doubt You again.'”

The race was a nail-biter, with uncertainty looming immediately after the finish. Lyles initially thought one of his competitors had won and began to congratulate him, saying, “Hey man, I think you got it.” The photo finish, however, revealed Lyles as the victor. Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson hailed the race as the best final he had ever witnessed, “bar none.”

Lyles’ journey to Olympic gold was far from easy. He has been open about his struggles with asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. Despite these challenges, he has continually pushed forward, drawing strength from his faith and the support of his loved ones. “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You,” Lyles wrote in a Sunday night post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression.
But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become.
Why Not You!

— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 4, 2024

After placing first in the U.S. Olympic 200-meter trial in June, Lyles emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mental state for his preparation. “I’ve said it all season, but it helps to not have depression,” Lyles told Premier. His mental fortitude and faith played crucial roles in his preparation and eventual victory.

Reflecting on his journey, Lyles expressed immense gratitude to God. “I thank God every day for getting me through each and every round,” he said. “Healthy, mentally and physically.” His faith and resilience were further highlighted as he remembered his late coach from Alexandria City High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Rashawn Jackson, who passed away just over a month ago. “I don’t think it’s completely sunk in, to be honest. My coach, Rashawn Jackson, recently died. And you know, I remember when I was running on the backstretch, and I was like: ‘This one is for you, man,'” Lyles told NBC4 Washington.

“I thought he was going to be here to see it. I’m going to be honest. But I know that he’s watching. I really thought he was going to be here in the flesh because he believed that I was going to be a 100-meter runner just as much as I was going to be a 200-meter runner.” The emotional tribute to his coach underscored the deep personal connections and support that have been integral to Lyles’ success.

Lyles’ victory was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of immense pride for his family. His mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, expressed her overwhelming excitement and joy. “I’m so excited. I can’t believe it,” she told NBC4. “It’s a lot. I’m so excited. I think I screamed harder than I’ve ever screamed before.”

Four days after winning the United States’ first gold medal in the men’s 100m since 2004, Lyles took the track to accomplish a feat last done by Carl Lewis in 1984: winning both the 100m and 200m representing the United States. Lyles entered the Paris track as the overwhelming favorite in, by far, his best event as a three-time world champion. However, he was never able to recover from a rough start and had to settle for bronze.

Moments after he finished in third place during the 200-meter Olympics final, Noah Lyles told reporters he ran the race with COVID-19, after having been diagnosed with the illness two days earlier. The moment the test came back positive, Lyles left the Olympic Village and was quarantined at a nearby hotel.

“I still wanted to run; they said it was still possible,” Lyles said. “So we just stayed away from everybody and just tried to take it round by round. And to be honest, I knew if I wanted to come out here and win, I had to give everything I had from the get-go. I didn’t have any time to save energy.”

Later that same day, Lyles appeared to say in an Instagram post that he would not compete in that event, writing, “I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics.”

“It is not the Olympic I dreamed of but it has left me with so much Joy in my heart,” Lyles wrote. “I hope everyone enjoyed the show. Whether you were rooting for me or against me, you have to admit you watched, didn’t you? See you next time.”

Noah Lyles’ story is one of overcoming adversity through faith, determination, and the support of loved ones. His journey from battling asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression to becoming the world’s fastest man is a powerful testament to his resilience. His unwavering faith in God has been a guiding light through his challenges, leading him to Olympic glory.

As Lyles continues to celebrate his victories, he remains a beacon of inspiration for many. His message is clear: no matter the obstacles, faith and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. “Why Not You,” he asks, encouraging others to believe in their potential and trust in God’s plan.