Noah Lyles has been called brash, arrogant, and cocky—and that’s exactly what track and field needs. In a sport often defined by stoicism and quiet focus, Lyles is an unapologetic showman, a force of nature unafraid to ruffle feathers. His boldness may rub some people the wrong way, but his personality fills the void the sport has long been missing.

At 27, Lyles is as polarizing as he is accomplished. He talks big, but more often than not, he delivers. In 2023, he pulled off a historic “sprint treble” at the World Championships in Budapest, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay—a feat no man had achieved since Usain Bolt in 2015. He holds the American record in the 200m at 19.31 seconds, set at the 2022 World Championships, and is a three-time World Champion in the event. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he won gold in the 100m in a dramatic photo finish and added a bronze in the 200m. He also collected bronze in the 200m at the Tokyo Games.

But often, his résumé gets overshadowed by his mouth. In 2023, he sparked a firestorm when he declared that NBA champions shouldn’t be called “world champions” because they only play in the U.S.

“World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong, I love the U.S. at times. But that ain’t the world. We are the world. Almost every country is out here fighting and putting on their flag to be represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”

He doubled down when invited to NBA star Anthony Edwards’ sneaker launch, questioning why brands overlook track athletes for the same opportunities. 

"You want to do what?" Lyles said. "You want to invite me to [an event for] a man who has not even been to an NBA Finals? In a sport that you don't even care about? And you're giving him a shoe? No disrespect: the man is an amazing athlete. He is having a heck of a year. I love that they saw the insight to give him a shoe, because they saw that he was going to be big. All I'm asking is, 'How could you not see that for me?'

His words were sharp, but they reflected a deeper frustration: the lack of recognition for track and field stars who compete on a truly global stage.

His brashness also spills onto the track. At the 2024 U.S. Championships, after edging rival Kenny Bednarek in the 200m, Lyles taunted him at the finish line. Bednarek shoved him in return, later calling his behavior “unsportsmanlike.” For some, these antics confirm the “arrogant” label. For others, they make the sport worth watching.

What can’t be denied is that Lyles has built a brand as big as his stride. He’s one of Adidas’ marquee athletes and has landed endorsement deals with Celsius, Omega, Comcast, and Visa. He doesn’t just run—he entertains. His flashy entrances, bold predictions, love of anime, and unfiltered commentary make him a standout in a sport that typically only grabs headlines once every four years.

Is he guilty of self-promotion? Absolutely. But that’s the point. By drawing attention year-round, Lyles has elevated track and field from a niche sport to one with mainstream appeal. Like Bolt before him, he’s more than an athlete—he’s a personality who transcends the track.

Whether you’re rooting for him to win or praying he gets humbled, one thing’s certain: all eyes are on Noah Lyles. And that’s exactly how he likes it.