Noah Lyles Saves 26-Year-Old Jamaican Rival From Negative Moment at World Athletics Championships

Noah Lyles arrived at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo aiming to add more global hardware to his illustrious career. Though he secured a bronze medal in the 100m final with a time of 9.89 seconds, his focus quickly shifted to the 200m—an event where he is a three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist. As the preliminary rounds of the 200m began on September 17, all eyes were on Lyles, not just for his performance but for an unexpected act of sportsmanship that would capture the spirit of the championships.

Before the heats, Lyles noticed his 26-year-old Jamaican rival, Christopher Taylor, visibly struggling with pre-race anxiety in the call room. Taylor, a talented sprinter known for his prowess in the 400m but competing in the 200m, appeared tense and nervous, his body language betraying the pressure of the moment. Seated next to Canada’s Andre De Grasse, Lyles observed Taylor’s unease and decided to intervene.

As uploaded on Citius Mag’s YouTube channel, in the post-race interview after the 200m heat, Lyles recounted the interaction, stating, “Oh yeah, we were in the call room, and me and Andre were sitting next to each other, and [Taylor] was on the other side of Andre. Andre was like, ‘Hey man, why do you look nervous?’ He was like, ‘I am nervous.’ I’m like, ‘Oh bro, there ain’t nothing to be nervous about; it’s just a first round, it’s just another 200.’”

Lyles further elaborated the situation in detail, saying, “He’s like, ‘How do you not be nervous?’ I said, ‘Well, you can start by uncrossing your hands and relaxing your jaw and just realize it’s another 200; you’ll be good.’ He’s like, ‘Just do what your coach said. Your coach is probably gonna… your coach knows best.’ I’m like, ‘I’m my own coach. Do what you said; I’m pretty sure you know best.’”

Noah Lyles’ advice was grounded in his own experiences and the mindset that has propelled him to the top of the sport. Having faced immense pressure himself—including competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics with COVID-19—Lyles understood the mental challenges athletes endure. His words were not just technical but psychological, urging Taylor to trust his preparation and embrace the moment.

The impact was immediate: Taylor eased into the race, securing third place in his heat and advancing to the next round. Lyles recalled what he said to Taylor after the race, “We got to the end of the race, and he got third. I’m like, ‘See, it’s just another 200; now you just get ready for the next one.’”

This act of camaraderie highlights Lyles’ growth as a leader in track and field. Beyond his accolades, he has become a vocal advocate for mental resilience and support among athletes. However, what did the Jamaican runner say after receiving advice from the American sprinter?

He was just fine, thanks to Noah Lyles

In the post-race interview, Christopher Taylor confirmed the supportive encounter, revealing how the advice from Noah Lyles and Andre De Grasse was pivotal. He stated, “They were saying welcome to the 200, and I was a bit nervous. They could have seen it, and they were talking to me in the call room, saying just relax, have some water, just drop your shoulder, and help and take deep breaths.”

Taylor’s account underscores that the guidance from Lyles and De Grasse was not a fleeting comment but a genuine, multi-faceted intervention aimed at calming his nerves with practical, physical, and psychological techniques. His concluding remark, “So you know when they came out and said that I actually qualified, they said, ‘Welcome to the 200 and all the best for the next round,’” shows he deeply appreciated the gesture.

Taylor’s appreciation stems from receiving mentorship from the event’s top competitors, which transformed a potentially negative moment of anxiety into a positive, successful race experience. This act of sportsmanship from Lyles, a reigning champion, demonstrates a profound level of respect and empathy that transcends national rivalries.