In the world of top-level sport, athletes are often seen as models of physical and mental perfection. However, behind every Olympic medallist lies a story of challenges overcome. Noah Lyles, the king of American sprinting, is one such inspirational figure (read also) who, despite his dyslexia, has reached the pinnacle of his sport. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination needed to turn a challenge into strength.

 

Dyslexia: an invisible challenge

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects the ability to read, write and spell. For Noah Lyles, dyslexia has been a significant obstacle throughout his school career. He often struggled to keep up in class and sometimes felt misunderstood by his teachers and peers. However, these difficulties did not hinder his ambition to become an elite athlete. At school, Noah Lyles struggles not only with asthma, but also with bullying from his classmates because of an attention deficit disorder and dyslexia (read here)

 

Sport as an escape and source of motivation

He found refuge in athletics at the age of 12 with the high jump. Watching the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games, he and his younger brother Josephus set themselves the goal of taking part in the competition. He missed out on a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic team, but made the team for the following Olympics five years later in Tokyo.

From an early age, Noah Lyles found sport a way to express himself and channel his energy. The athletics track became his refuge, a place where he could excel without being judged on his academic ability. With the support of his family and coaches, he developed a rigorous training programme that allowed him to focus on his strengths.

 

From the athletics track to the Olympic Games

Noah Lyles’ hard work and determination quickly paid off. He began to make a name for himself on the national and then international stage, winning several titles and setting records. He won bronze in the 200m in Tokyo in 2021, before returning to Budapest in the summer of 2023 with three world crowns, in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m. His participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games marks a high point in his career. He has made no secret of his ambition to write a new page in his sport. He insists that he wants to do better than the unbeatable Usain Bolt. Not only in terms of speed, but also in terms of medals. And he’s sure to set the Stade de France alight!

 

Turning dyslexia into a superpower

Noah Lyles is regularly flashed at speeds in excess of 40 km/h on athletics tracks. In fact, Times magazine has nicknamed him ‘The Flash’ after the DC Comics superhero. Rather than seeing his dyslexia as a handicap, Noah Lyles has turned it into a superpower. Dyslexia has taught him resilience, patience and the importance of finding creative solutions to problems. These skills have proved invaluable on the athletics track, where the ability to stay focused and adapt quickly is essential.

 

A Role Model for Young Athletes

Noah Lyles is much more than an Olympic champion; he is a symbol of courage and perseverance. His journey shows that personal challenges, such as dyslexia (and asthma), can be overcome through determination, support and unwavering passion. By following her example, many young athletes can find the inspiration and motivation to excel, proving that everyone’s true potential lies far beyond their perceived limitations.

 

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