Noah Lyles plans aerodynamic hairstyle, unique nail design and special celebration for 2023 World Championships
The three-time world champion is meticulously preparing for the event in Budapest, where he could become the fifth man to achieve the 100- and 200-metre double at the World Athletics Championships.
Athletics
Noah Lyles understands that even small changes can make all the difference for sprinters.
The 200m world champion, known for surprising fans with his captivating hairstyles and vibrant fashion sense, has exciting plans for his title defence at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
For his third appearance at the Worlds, he will be sporting a new aerodynamic hairdo that could potentially shave precious milliseconds off his times.
The American sprint star, who will compete in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay, intends to showcase his new, streamlined hairstyle to minimise wind resistance when he bids for his third successive 200m world title.
While these may be simple adjustments, they allow Lyles to enjoy his time on the track and manage the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level. He has been remarkably candid about his struggles with ADD, depression, and anxiety.
But it's not only his hairdo that will change according to NBC Sports.
Also keep an eye on his nails, which will feature a unique design created by his 16-year-old nail technician in Clermont, his hometown of Florida.
The American also plans to unveil a special post-race celebration in Hungary, to toast to his success and the launch of his documentary “Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project,” that premieres on Peacock on 18 August.
Noah Lyles on World champs sprint double and Erriyon Knighton
The 26-year-old will not only be targeting his fourth world title later this month, but also his first medal in the 100m dash.
“What I will accept is grabbing a medal in the 100m, whatever colour, and winning the 200m. My greatest aspiration is that I will grab three golds, gain a world record in the 200m,” he said.
However, he is clear that his primary focus in Budapest is on securing the 100m gold, a title won by his compatriot Fred Kerley, and helping Team USA to victory in the relay.
"It is medals first then records second. You can always grab a world record somewhere else during the year. "My fastest time is so low it all depends on the right weather, right competition and right day,” he continued.
"I am going for the gold and if something amazing comes from that even better." Noah Lyles
Lyles will aim to retain his 200m crown in a race that includes world bronze medallist Erriyon Knighton, who broke the under-20 World record when he won the men's 200m final last month (9 July) at the 2023 U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
"He's a kid and he's stepped into the world of professional athletics early, earlier than I did. When I first arrived I was ready to take off everybody's head,” said the Olympic 200m bronze medallist of 19-year-old Knighton.
"Last year he got a taste of what it is like to be at the top in the months leading up to the US championships. You have a target on your back and it can be a very heavy burden to hold if you are not prepared for it."
Lyles dismisses any suggestions of a fierce rivalry with Knighton.
"I see rivalries as almost lazy, it is the easiest form to conceptualise. But in track there are so many of us that to simplify it to rivalry diminishes it. There is great story telling that can be told. Why concern it with two people when we have a field of eight, who all have stories to tell? Rivalries are fun but it can be dead in a day."
Among the U.S. team of 139 athletes competing at the world championships, only Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson will compete in multiple events.
Lyles is one of ten American world champions from last year’s event in Oregon who will compete in Budapest between 19-27 August.