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Athletics | International

Paris 2024: I battle asthma and depression – Olympics champion, Lyles reveals

Olympics champion, Noah Lyles, has revealed lifetime challenges he's battled to become a world champion.

The American, who beat of competition from Jamaica's Kishane Thompson and fellow countryman and teammate, Fred Kerley on Sunday night to dethrone Marcel Jacobs in a nail-biting contest took to X to share his life struggles to inspire others.

His message was clear: obstacles don't define you. "I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression," he revealed on X. "But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!"

Noah Lyles posted on X

The race was a nail-biter, ending in a photo finish. Lyles edged out his rival by .005s.

"We were waiting for the names to pop up," Lyles recounted. "I even told Thompson, 'I think you got that one, big dawg!' But something told me to lean, and I did. It was that kind of race."

This victory marks the first time an American has won the 100m at the Olympics since Justin Gatlin in 2004. Lyles, however, isn't done yet; he's set his sights on the 200 meters, with hopes of adding another gold to his collection on Wednesday.

Fred Kerley, another American sprinter, claimed the bronze, adding to the USA's medal tally. For Lyles, this victory was more than a race; it was a testament to his belief in himself. "I've done worse and I've run faster 60s. Ah, dang. Dang, I'm amazing. That's crazy. That's crazy," he said, almost in disbelief. "I thought I was a little better than that. But that goes to prove that reaction times do not win races."

In the throes of his post-race celebration, Lyles removed his name tag and held it high for the crowd to see, a symbol of his journey and triumph.

He then embraced his girlfriend, Jamaican runner Junelle Bromfield, sharing the moment with someone who understands the grind and glory of track and field.

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