Faith in the Fast Lane: Olympic Champion Noah Lyles Credits God for Historic Win

“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.”

In a heart-stopping photo finish, Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles edged out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by a mere five thousandths of a second, but it was his heartfelt praise to God that stole the show. Before the race, Lyles was seen mouthing “Thank you, God” – a phrase that would become a recurring theme in his victory interviews. The 27-year-old US athlete revealed that he had asked God for a sign to confirm his purpose, and with his win, he felt his faith had been rewarded.

Lyles’ journey to the top was not without its challenges, including struggles with depression. However, he credits his mental and physical well-being to his faith, saying “I thank God every day for getting me through each and every round.” With his historic win, Lyles has become an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of faith and perseverance. As four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson described it, the race was the “best final” he had ever seen – a testament to Lyles’ unwavering dedication and trust in God.

In the immediate aftermath of the race, it was unclear who had taken the title to become the new world’s fastest man.

Even Lyles believed his rival to have won, congratulating him by saying: “Hey man, I think you got it.”

After winning the Olympic 200m trial prior to Paris, Lyles said his mental state was key to his training: “I’ve said it all season but it helps to not have depression.”

“I thank God every day for getting me through each and every round. Healthy, mentally and physically.”