Noah Lyles asserted his dominance on the tracks with his staunch performances in the 2023 season. The American track star secured a hat trick of gold medals at the recent 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest with wins in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m men’s relay. With this, Lyles became the new 100m world champion when he beat the likes of Letsile Tebogo and Zharnel Hughes with a time of 9.83 seconds.

The track sensation continued his winning run at the Zurich Diamond League too, where he again secured the top spot in the 200m after narrowly beating fellow teammate Erriyon Knighton. After completing his on-track duties, Lyles was recently involved in an off-the-court brand duty for his sponsor, Adidas. During his recent brand commitment, Lyles was involved in an unexpected crossover that saw the world of track and field link up with soccer royalty.

Noah Lyles links up with The Special One

Recently, Adidas-sponsored athletes and coaches came together as part of a forum that celebrated the achievements of these exceptional talents. Amongst them was American sprinting icon, Noah Lyles. Joining the track sensation was the world-renowned soccer coach, Jose Mourinho, who currently manages AS Roma in Italy.

FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Olga Carmona, who scored the only goal in the recent World Cup final, was also part of the forum. All three sporting icons had taken to their respective social media handles and shared pictures of them together.

While Lyles has already hinted that his 2023 season has now concluded, Mourinho has a two-week break from club fixtures as most of his players are away on international duty.

As for Carmona, she recently suffered the loss of her father, a dreaded news that she only found out after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup final against England. And, the off-season could not have come quicker for Noah Lyles, who despite having a stellar 2023 season, was making headlines for his thoughts on the NBA.

American track star’s NBA controversy

Despite dominating all of his track events at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Noah Lyles found himself engulfed in a controversy with the NBA.

According to a CNN report, in a press conference in Budapest, Lyles had claimed, “You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head. World champion of what? The United States?” This triggered the NBA world and Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant, who responded with, “Somebody help this brother.” 

Read more: “World Champion Style”: Cashing Out Paycheck, Noah Lyles’ Million Dollar Club Walk After Zurich Diamond League 2023 Leaves Fans in Awe

While Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon said, “Whatever… I’m smoking buddy in the 200m.” However, all this controversy does not seem to faze Lyles, who can be seen undertaking his brand commitments and relaxing after a glorious season.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics less than a year away, Noah Lyles will be aiming for another clean sweep in the Olympics and while he continues his winning spree, fans are girded up to see Lyles perform his magic in the French capital.

Watch this story: HOURS AFTER KEVIN DURANT AND OTHERS DESTROYED NOAH LYLES’ NBA TAKE, EX-STAR SPEAKS ON BASKETBALL OUTSIDE OF THE USA: “BUNCH OF F**KING HAS-BEENS”