Noah Lyles: “I believe that this is going to be my best year ever”
The reigning 200m world champion expects fast runs this week in Eugene - and even faster times later in the year.
Athletics
Reigning 200m world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Noah Lyles of the U.S. has big expectations for 2022.
“I believe that this is going to be my best year ever,” said Lyles in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com on the eve of the World Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Having been open about his struggles with depression, Lyles says he’s paying even more attention to his mental health ahead of the worlds.
“Of course, I talk to my therapist. I've actually doubled down on how often I speak to them,” he explained.
He feels his efforts are paying off - even if they might not be on full display quite yet.
“As I get closer and closer, of course, to world championships, I truly don't believe that I'm going to run my fastest this year at world championships," admitted Lyles. "I believe I'm going to run very fast, but I don't think I'm going to run my fastest.
“I think it's going to happen later in the year, and just keeping that mindset going has definitely been keeping me hungry, keeping me active," he continued. "And to be honest, it's definitely helped with how I keep my mental [game]. Just to keep my field of vision and ideas on the same line.”
Lyles gets underway in Eugene on 18 July with the 200m heats where he’ll face off with the rest of the Tokyo 2020 podium in Canada’s Andre de Grasse and Lyles's teammate Kenny Bednarek.
READ MORE: Here’s a look at the daily schedule and highlights.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about these Track and Field World Championships.