"It’s nice to not have everyone call you co**y and arrogant" - Noah Lyles weighs in on support from Usain Bolt and Carl Lewis during Paris Olympics

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Oct 04, 2024 01:10 GMT

Noah Lyles spoke about receiving support from legendary athletes like Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt during the Paris Olympics. The American athlete, known for his outspoken nature, has faced trolling on social media several times for being too arrogant during the Paris Olympics.

Noah Lyles marched on to his second consecutive Olympics in Paris to win the three gold medals, a goal he had been stating since the World Athletics Championships early in 2024. He won the gold medal in the men's 100m and took home the bronze medal in the 200m. However, he decided to conclude his campaign in the French capital after the 200m by skipping the 4x100m relay as he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Lyles faced criticism on social media after finishing third in the 200m and also for withdrawing from competing in the men's 4x100m. Amid all the hate, he found support and encouragement from the legendary athlete Carl Lewis who took to X to appreciate the athlete and took a dig at the people who criticized Lyles.

@LylesNoah, it may be a tough time in your life life now, but your antics and talent are why they watched your race. There are very few global superstars in this sport, and the masses benefit from the few.. So if you think it is easy to put yourself out there not knowing what the outcome will be, then do it. Until then, support our great athletes who have the courage to do that and think about how easy it is to ride to just stay quiet and win," wrote Lewis.

Furthermore, 100 and 200m world record holder Usain Bolt spoke about Lyles and expressed how running for the sprint double at such a major event was not easy. He also appreciated Lyles' performance at the World Athletics Championships in 2022.

Noah Lyles spoke about receiving support from the two legendary athletes in an interview with Inquirer and said:

"It’s very nice to hear. Bolt told me the same thing. It’s nice to not have everyone criticize you constantly and call you co**y and arrogant."

Noah Lyles on having an outspoken personality

Noah Lyles at the OMEGA House in Paris 2024 - Closing Night - Source: Getty

Noah Lyles spoke about having an outspoken personality in an interview with People. His outspoken personality has been the reason he was trolled by fans on social media who classified him to have an 'arrogant attitude'.

The American athlete revealed how the right people around him helped him to be grounded at all times as he continued his pursuit to achieve greatness in his track and field career.

“Of course, I have a very large personality but having people who I feel are grounded around me and having a good support system keeps me closer to, hey, I have a great talent and it is seen in the public as a great thing, but at the end of the day, I'm just a normal human being.”

He credited his girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, and his mother for helping him to be grounded amid the media spotlight during major events like the World Championships and the Olympic Games.