The American sprinting sensation Noah Lyles has dominated tracks worldwide, shattering records and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of his generation. But beyond the medals and the spotlight, Lyles carries his journey with him, etched in ink.
A Story Written in Ink
While Noah keeps some details about his tattoos private, two of them have taken center stage in the story of his career.
Bold black letters spell ‘ICON’ across his torso a permanent declaration of the legacy he’s chasing.
“I got ‘ICON’ tattooed over my torso because it reminds me what I want to be known as when I die,” Lyles once revealed as quoted by Essentially Sports. It’s a declaration of ambition from an athlete determined to leave a legacy beyond mere medals.
The second, perhaps his most famous, came after a bittersweet moment at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. On August 4, 2021, after claiming a bronze medal in the men’s 200m final, Lyles marked the occasion by tattooing the Olympic rings just below his right ribcage.
Beyond the Track
For Noah Lyles, tattoos are just one way of expressing his individuality. Off the track, he’s just as known for his bold fashion choices and painted fingernails — another form of self-expression that often sparks conversation.
From painting his nails white with ‘ICON’ in blue polish for the Paris Olympics opening ceremony to sporting red, white, and blue designs after his 100m gold, Lyles isn’t afraid to be different.
Though some critics have taken issue with his style, Lyles remains unfazed.
“To be honest, I’m so confident in myself that it doesn’t really matter. I think it’s funny at times.” he said to US Weekly.
After his sprint double in Paris, NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade voiced his support, and even Lyles’ mother joined the celebration, painting her nails in solidarity with her son.
With three gold medals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and sights set on the Tokyo 2025 World Championships and LA 2028 Olympics, Noah Lyles’ story is far from over.
