It has been nearly a year since Noah Lyles cemented his status as the world's fastest man by clinching the Olympic 100m gold at Paris 2024. This victory, following his golden treble at the World Championships, solidified his position as one of athletics' most electrifying stars. However, Lyles admits he is still figuring out how he wants to present himself moving forward.

A New Chapter for Lyles

Lyles, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Friday, shared his thoughts with BBC Sport: "I don't know, I'm wondering that. I had a really good chance to not only just sit with myself but also think ahead to the future, and how I want to continue presenting myself as the showman and so on. I think [the crowd are] going to get maybe a mixed bag right now, as I'm redefining how I want to be seen over the next few years."

Clear Goals on the Track

Despite his introspection, Lyles' ambitions on the track remain crystal clear. He aims for three more world gold medals in Tokyo this September, setting the stage for a potential triple gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Over the years, Lyles has not shied away from setting lofty goals, including targeting Usain Bolt's world records and even teasing a bid for four Olympic golds in Paris.

Overcoming Challenges

Lyles' journey has not been without its hurdles. A bout of Covid before the 200m final in Paris dashed his hopes of a quadruple gold, but he still managed to secure his crowning moment in the 100m final by a mere five-thousandths of a second. Reflecting on his victory, Lyles said, "It's very surreal. There are some days I wake up and I feel like Noah, and there are other days where I'm like 'I'm the world's fastest man, I'm the Olympic champion in the 100m – I did that!'"

A Star on and off the Track

Lyles' influence extends beyond his athletic achievements. His love for fashion has led to iconic 'walk-ins' before competitions, and his role in Netflix's 'Sprint' documentary has further elevated his profile. He has also started his own production company, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Looking Ahead to the London Diamond League

As Lyles prepares for the London Diamond League, he remains focused on winning and delivering a performance that lives up to his reputation. "It's definitely my kind of place. I love a big crowd, especially when they are engaged and they want to see something. Being a showman, I want to give them a show," Lyles said. "It's my first 100m race [of the season] and I always want to win. A fast time never hurts. I'd love to run 9.8 seconds, but winning is the most important thing."

A Legacy in the Making

With his sights set on the future, Lyles is determined to leave an indelible mark on the sport. "I'll either have taken over the track world or I will have three gold medals at the Olympics. Either of those sound great," he concluded.