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“Freaked Some People Out”: Noah Lyles Dropped the Biggest Shock of His Career in 2016

Published 02/26/2024, 2:00 PM EST

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In the American track and field world, all eyes are firmly fixed on Noah Lyles, the 2023 World Champion, as the Olympic year unfolds. He set the tone for the 2024 season with bold claims, declaring his intentions to claim all the medals and accolades, striving for nothing short of “World Domination.

Recently, Lyles added another layer of boldness by revisiting a pivotal moment from 2016, when he made waves by turning professional. However, with this throwback, he not only stoked anticipation but also unveiled new goals and collaborations.

Noah Lyles shared a throwback to a jaw-dropping moment from 2016

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Sharing a throwback video on X, Noah Lyles resurfaced the memory of his transition to the professional ranks in 2016. When asked by an interviewer about the impact of his bold claim at the time, Lyles reflected, “Well, you know, it freaked some people out; some people didn’t believe it. It’s true. I’ll tell you firsthand right here, we’re going pro; this is it.

With the caption, “The Next Chapter Begins Now!” accompanying the throwback post, Lyles shared a sense of anticipation and determination as he embarks on the next phase of his journey. It’s crucial to understand the chronology of this update too. This interview by Lyles came amid the Olympic Trials, where he finished fourth in the 200 meters as a high school senior. Soon after this moment, Noah Lyles joined hands with a multinational brand with a strong presence in various countries and the sports world. So why did he share this throwback?

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The meaning behind this throwback post

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Below the update was an exciting announcement shared by Noah Lyles. He posted a picture of a contract stating that Noah Lyles, the six-time world champion, has extended his partnership with Adidas through the end of the decade. This includes coverage for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris (2024) and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The statement by the brand also shared that Lyles has been associated with Adidas since 2016, immediately following the Olympic Trials in 2016. He was applauded for not just being a successful athlete but also a prominent figure off the track who featured in global promotions, such as the 2021 Pre-Olympic Anime campaign and a Y-3 fashion show in Paris.

Read more: ‘Flying Finn’s’ Golden Legacy Returns to Paris Ahead of the Summer Olympics 2024

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In the post, there was also an endearing note where Lyles expressed, “When I first signed with Adidas in 2016 along with my brother Josephus, that was like a dream come true for us. And today is just a continuation of that childhood dream.” He further expressed his gratitude towards Adidas for supporting him and his family at a level he never imagined. As we reflect on this exciting news, fans can’t wait to see how this partnership continues to unfold and what is in store for Noah Lyles, both on and off the track.

Also read: Noah Lyles Contests Against Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic for a Huge Honor

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Written by:

Christaline Meyers

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Christaline Meyers is a senior Olympics writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in gymnastics and alpine skiing. Christaline is one of the acclaimed authorities in the coverage of 6x All-Around champion, Simone Biles. She has written extensively, covering every detail of Biles’s life stories as well as providing her perspective on Simone Biles’ Yurchenko Double Pike controversy.
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Edited by:

Sampurna Pal