Noah Lyles was already a widely recognized figure in American athletics, known for his amazing speed and remarkable achievements on the track. Yet, after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, his popularity surged to new heights. Winning the gold medal in the 100 meters not only confirmed his title as the fastest man in the world but also captivated millions who tuned in to witness his electrifying performance. But why did so many people suddenly rally behind him? One significant factor was the success of Netflix’s acclaimed docuseries, *Sprint*.
This series offered an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of elite athletes as they prepared for the Olympics. Viewers were taken behind the scenes to witness the intense training, the mental preparation, and the sheer dedication it takes to compete at such a high level, highlighting key events like the 2023 Diamond League and the 2023 World Athletics Championships—all with Noah Lyles at the heart of it.
Lyles quickly emerged as the breakout star of *Sprint*. His charisma, genuine disposition, and the intensity he exuded both on and off the track resonated deeply with audiences around the globe. In fact, Lyles himself acknowledged the dramatic shift in his visibility, saying, “After that came out, I was more popular than I have ever been.” Even before stepping onto the Olympic stage in Paris, he was often stopped by fans in places like London, who recognized him not just as an athlete but as the guy from Netflix. “I’ve been to London many times and I have never gotten recognized to the point where I was like, ‘I don’t think I can leave the hotel’,” he shared, illuminating just how impactful *Sprint* had been for him.
In many ways, *Sprint* acted as a catalyst for Lyles’s stardom, much like *Drive to Survive* did for Formula 1. It not only brought a spotlight to track and field but transformed Lyles into a global icon. This newfound fame and marketability allowed him to make significant career decisions, including declining an invitation to participate in Michael Johnson’s groundbreaking initiative, the Grand Slam Track.
Johnson introduced the concept of Grand Slam Track—a first-of-its-kind professional league for track and field athletes—back in February of the previous year. Officially launching this year, the league has run from April through June, attracting numerous elite athletes and generating significant buzz. Yet, Noah Lyles’s name was notably absent from the roster of competitors. In his trademark candid manner, he declared, “No Michael Johnson.”
But this decision raises a valid question: why would Lyles opt out of a promising league that aims to elevate the sport and provide substantial financial benefits for athletes? The reason is simple but powerful: Lyles felt that the offer he received didn’t reflect his true market value. Since the league was designed to compensate athletes based on their individual worth, Lyles held firm on his valuation.
Johnson did approach him with an offer, but it was not what Lyles believed he deserved. Having spent considerable time and effort building his personal brand—long before his Olympic victory—he viewed the initial proposal as a lowball effort. “I’ve worked very hard to increase my value in the sport,” he explained. “When he came to me with a number, we found that it wasn’t a fraction of what my worth is right now.”
His stance wasn’t an isolated decision; fellow athlete Sha’Carri Richardson also chose to sit out, despite the potential to earn substantial prize money. In Lyles’s absence, Kenny Bednarek, the 2020 and 2024 Olympic silver medalist, seized victory in the completed events of the league.
In many ways, Lyles’s journey reflects the evolving landscape of sports, where athletes are increasingly empowered to understand and assert their worth. It’s a reminder that in the world of professional athletics, success isn’t just measured in medals or times; it also hinges on how athletes navigate their identities, marketability, and value within the ever-changing dynamics of the sport.
Image Source: Noah Lyles @ Instagram
