Liberian American sprinter Joseph Fahnbulleh has praised Noah Lyles for his unique role in track and field’s growth.
Fahnbulleh expressed admiration for Noah Lyles’ style of spreading the sport`s love through social media.
“Sometimes people compare Usain Bolt to Noah Lyles on charisma,” said Fahnbulleh. “At that time, Usain Bolt spoke with his times, spoke with being humble, good vibes that made the sport grow.
But this day and age, when it comes to social media and other sports that are gaining more access and viewership, maybe this “Lyles’ style” is what the sport needs,” he added.
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Joseph Fahnbulleh emphasised Lyles’ ability to attract attention and bring the press to the sport.
“Noah has had these many eyes to track and field for a long time,” he said. “When it comes to the social media aspect of getting clicks, views, Noah is there, and he, being him, is bringing press. Good, bad press is still press.”
Despite media criticism, Joseph Fahnbulleh described Lyles as “a wonderful guy, a person you can easily talk to,” who promotes track and field through podcasts, interviews, and fashion events.
Lyles’ 2025 Season: Strategic and Focused
This season, Noah Lyles has raced sparingly, opening with a 45.87-second 400m at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational. However, he is yet to run an open 100m or 200m.
He withdrew from the Atlanta City Games due to a “tight ankle,” but his camp views the injury as minor and is managing his schedule carefully.
Unlike many athletes, Lyles automatically qualifies for the 2025 World Championships in both the 100m and 200m, thanks to his 2023 double gold in Budapest.
This exemption allows him to plan his season strategically, avoiding early peaking and burnout ahead of the late-season World Championships in Tokyo.
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Noah is expected to compete at the London Diamond League meeting on July 19, where he will compete in the 100m. Lyles has a strong history in London, winning the 100m in 2024 and running some of his fastest times there. That includes a 9.81-second victory in 2024 and a 19.47-second 200m world-leading time in 2023.
“My road to defending my world titles in Tokyo in September goes through London,” Lyles said.
With Fahnbulleh’s endorsement and a carefully managed season, Noah Lyles remains a central figure both on and off the track, blending athletic excellence with charisma to elevate track and field in the digital age.
