Blog

Oct 16, 2024

Noah Lyles Tells Adidas He Wants His Own Sneaker

U.S. track and field superstar Noah Lyles made his intention clear after winning a gold medal in the men’s 100-meter final on Sunday in Paris. “I want my own shoe. I want a sneaker … Ain’t no money in

U.S. track and field superstar Noah Lyles made his intention clear after winning a gold medal in the men’s 100-meter final on Sunday in Paris.

“I want my own shoe. I want a sneaker … Ain’t no money in spikes. Even Michael Johnson didn’t have a sneaker,” he told reporters, referring to the U.S. sprinter who won four gold medals.

Lyles, who crossed the finish line in 9.79 seconds, used the new personal best moment to place pressure on sportswear giants who have prioritized other sports like basketball and soccer more than lesser known track and field. It’s the latest response for Lyles who has felt slighted by the lack of mainstream attention he receives despite being a generational talent. Earlier this year, Lyles signed a lucrative contract extension with Adidas, reportedly the richest in track and field since Usain Bolt’s deal with Puma, but he remains outspoken that he and his sport deserve more.

“America, I told you. I got next!” he said after winning the event. He re-emphasized that he was the world’s fastest man with the first-place finish. It garnered attention from multiple celebrities and sports stars, including former NBA guard Dwyane Wade, who periodically paints his nails like Lyles.

Lyles became the first American to win the 100-meter event at the Olympics since Justin Gatlin did it 20 years ago. It was his first of two individual events at the summer Olympics as he looks to become the first since Bolt to win the 100 meter and 200 meter in the same Olympics.

In the meantime, he is using this moment to create more marketing exposure for himself and the sport itself which has struggled to gain mainstream fandom due to a lack of visibility and commercial infrastructure. The 27-year-old has quickly grown to become one of the most beloved and controversial American sprinters of all time.

After he won a gold medal in three events at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last August, he spoke out about NBA players crowning themselves as world champions. Some of the NBA’s stars clapped back on social media. This group includes a few players who watched the Gainesville, Fla., native win the gold medal at Stade de France on Sunday.

Regardless whether he won their respect or not, Lyles continues to make it clear that his sport and its biggest U.S. star deserves more recognition.