Noah Lyles opens up on dealing with fame amid financial struggles
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.12.24. | 20:22
While he appreciates the support, he said it can be hard when people do not respect personal boundaries
Olympic 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles is one of the fastest runners in the world, but as it turns out, life in the spotlight is not as easy as it seems.
In a recent chat on the Beyond The Records podcast, Lyles opened up on the struggles that come with being famous.
"Honestly, I’m struggling with it. I don’t make enough money to have security with me all the time, but I’m still famous enough that people notice me everywhere I go," Lyles admitted.
He shared how constant attention can feel overwhelming, lamenting further on how fans feel like they personally know celebrities because they have seen them on screens for years, which is not the case.
While he appreciates the support, he said it can be hard when people do not respect personal boundaries.
"People come up and touch you because they feel like they know you. They've grown up with you; they've seen you through the screens," he said during a previous conversation with actor Perry Crews.
During the Paris Olympics for instance, the emotional toll of fame was particularly evident.
Despite his historic victories, Lyles confessed to feeling overwhelmed by public attention. His solution? Retreating to secluded spaces and eating meals at odd hours to avoid the crowds.
Lyles went on to thank his family, friends, and teammates like Rai Benjamin and Grant Holloway for helping him get through the tough times.
He described them as his "positive pressure," who anchor him in moments of triumph and turbulence.
Working with brands like Celsius Energy has also helped him find purpose outside of athletics. Lyles said their focus on energy and action aligns with his own goals, which gives him a boost both on and off the track.
Lyles further acknowledged that public perception often diverges from his intentions.
"Once the general public gets a hold of [what I say], they make their opinion and put it off in my opinion," he said.
Still, he remains committed to finding his footing in the spotlight, noting that he plans to share his full story when the time feels right.
