Noah Lyles: Everything you need to know about the U.S. track star 

The Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist in the 200m is a six-time world champion and is aiming for a golden outing at Paris 2024. But how fast can he run? We explore all the must-know questions about the American.

4 minBy Nick McCarvel
Noah Lyles is a six-time world champion
(2023 Getty Images - Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

American Noah Lyles has a rightful claim to the title "fastest man in the world" currently, after sweeping both the 100m and 200m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

The 26-year-old has six world titles to his name, and won the bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 in 2021 in the men's 200m. At Paris 2024, he'll chase the podium in at least three events - if not more.

But is he faster than Usain Bolt? What should you know about his brother, Josephus Lyles? And how old was he when he started running?

Answers to those questions - and many more - you can find below.

Olympic Membership | Free Live Stream Sports & Original Series - click to join now!

How fast does Noah Lyles run in mph?

Lyles has topped 23 miles per hour (23.17 mph) in the 200m, his marquee event. His 19.31 at the U.S. Championships in 2023 broke a national record held by Michael Johnson, and was the third-fastest in that event ever.

With a little less runway to work in the 100m, Lyles has sped to 22.76 mph.

What nationality is Noah Lyles?

Lyles is American, and has competed for Team USA on international stages since the 2013 World Youth Championships. He made his debut at the World Championships in 2019, and will look to represent the U.S. in a second Olympic Summer Games in Paris.

Are Noah and Josephus Lyles twins?

No, they are not. Josephus Lyles is Noah's younger brother by just one year (b. 22 July 1998). The two brothers turned professional together in July 2016, foregoing the option to compete at the collegiate level in the U.S.

Does Noah Lyles lift weights?

Yes, he sure does. Lyles does targeted lifting, including single-leg Romanian deadlifts, squats, leg presses and more.

In January, Lyles shared a video (see below) on social media showing a personal-best effort for a clean deadlift at 286 lbs (130 kgs).

Is Noah Lyles faster than Usain Bolt?

In short: No. Bolt still holds the world records for both the 100m (9.58) and the 200m (19.19), and was part of the world record-setting 4x100m relay team at London 2012 (36.84).

Lyles set a target time of 19.10 for Worlds in 2023, falling short of that time in Budapest, clocking a 19.52 in the final. Last year, Bolt said he believes his 200m record will fall before the 100m: "I think the 100m [is] going to be harder [to break] because it's quicker," Bolt said. "And if you make a mistake during the race you're not going to get it."

How tall is Noah Lyles?

Lyles stands 5-foot-11 (180 cm).

How old is Noah Lyles?

Lyles was born 18 July 1997.

Where was Noah Lyles born? / Where is Noah Lyles from?

Lyles was born in Gainesville, Florida, USA.

He attended T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School) in Alexandria, Virginia.

Who trains Noah Lyles?

Lyles is coached by Lance Brauman as part of the adidas team based in the Orlando area.

How old was Noah Lyles when he started running?

Lyles began athletics at age 12 after initially competing in gymnastics.

Has Noah Lyles won a gold medal?

Yes, many. Lyles is still seeking an Olympic gold, however, having won bronze in the 200m at Tokyo 2020 in 2021.

He is a six-time world champion:

  • Gold - 200m: 2019, 2022, 2023
  • Gold - 100m: 2023
  • Gold - 4x100m relay: 2019, 2023

Lyles has won multiple golds across the Diamond League as well as the U.S. national championships, and was the 200m gold medallist at the Youth Olympic Games Nanjing 2014.

What are some fun facts about Noah Lyles?

While he's one of the most successful athletes in the world, Lyles has plenty of outlets elsewhere. He is an artist and enjoys fashion and style, as well as anime, cartoons and video creation.

Lyles had a hand in the 2023 docuseries Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project, which followed Lyles' quest to break Bolt's 200m record - and much more.

Lyles has also recorded music, mainly rap, which you can find online.

More from