Waiting for the Noah Lyles Games to begin

There’s something special about getting to know someone in the moments before they become a global star.\xa0

Earlier this spring,Sean Gregoryspent time with Noah Lyles, who may be on the cusp of a historic performance at theParis Olympic Games(no pressure!), which are set to begin in less than three weeks. If Lyles performs to the level his supporters believe he can, he will be the first American track-and-field athlete in 40 years to win golds in the 100-m, 200-m and 4 x 100-m races.

My favorite part ofGregory’s profile of Lyles, in addition to Dana Scruggs’ photography, is the sprinter’s openness. Lyles’s talks with Gregory about his difficulties training during COVID and his own mental health struggles.\xa0

“Being able to run with passion, and a smile on your face, and turning a race into something for everybody to enjoy, that’s what I consider running with soul,” Lyles says. “It just means that I’m happy,” he says. “I love to do what I do. And that’s a dangerous guy.”

Which athlete are you most looking forward to watching? Let us know. Sam@time.com.

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