Noah Lyles targets unexpected quadruple at Paris 2024 Olympics
The men’s 100m and 200m world champion from the USA revealed that he wants to test himself over a longer distance in Paris, with a view to landing four gold medals.
The reigning men’s 100m and 200m world champion would add the longer sprint to his signature individual events, as well as the 4x100m relay, which he helped the USA win at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
In doing so, Lyles became the first man to complete the sprint treble at a World Championships since Usain Bolt in 2015.
“I’ve never had somebody tell me something that has thrown my out-of-the-box thinking to inside-the-box, but that was like: okay, I’m not going to say no to that,” Lyles, 26, who was recently named World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year, told L’Equipe.
“Because after what I did at Budapest and seeing what my body can handle, if I train for it, okay, let’s take a shot. It’s the last race, there’s nothing to lose. If I’m in shape for it and I’ve trained for it all year, sure let’s take a crack at it.
“If they allow me, if they need me and they are willing – let’s go, let’s take it.”
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Six athletes – Tigist Assefa, @mondohoss600
, Kelvin Kiptum, Faith Kipyegon, @LylesNoah and @TeamRojas45 – have been announced as World Athletes of the Year for 2023.#AthleticsAwards press release ⬇️— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 11, 2023
Lyles’ ambition doesn’t come totally out of the blue.
As a high school star at the Penn Relays, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist took his team from second last to first in the 4x400m.
Lyles’ consideration to extend his repertoire on the biggest stage reflects an astonishing period of dominance for Lyles, who has won three-consecutive 200m world titles, on top of his triple victory in last year’s world championships.
