World’s Fastest Man Thanks God for Olympic Gold
By Movieguide® Contributor
Team USA track star Noah Lyles just became the world’s fastest man when he secured Olympic gold in the men’s 100-meter final, but he’s giving God the glory.
His final thought before the race? “Thank you, God.”
“I had to find my own journey with God and a lot of that came through track because there were a lot of times where I thought I don’t know if I can do this,” he told Premier Christian Radio after the race.
“God, if you really want me to do this, give me a sign. He gave me a sign and I said I’ll never doubt you again,” Lyles added.
The race was so tight that he initially congratulated his competitor for the win. But after closer review, Lyles was declared the champion.
His journey to becoming the world’s fastest man hasn’t been easy.
“I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety and Depression,” he revealed on X. “But, I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You?”
Keeping his mental state in check was key to his Olympic trials win in June.
“I’ve said it all season, but it helps to not have depression,” the track star said. “I thank God every day for getting me through each and every round. Healthy, mentally and physically.”
Beyond the personal success, though, taking home Olympic gold was about honoring a key person in his life.
After the race, Lyles said on X, “Hey Coach Rashawn, that one was for you RIP.”
Per The Christian Post, “The athlete said he was in awe of his victory but became teary-eyed as he spoke about his late coach from Alexandria City High School of Alexandria, Virginia, Rashawn Jackson, who had died just over a month ago.”
“I don’t think it’s completely sunk in to be honest,” Lyles told NBC4 Washington. “My coach Rashawn Jackson recently died. And you know, I remember when I was running on the backstretch and I was like: ‘This one is for you man.'”
“I thought he was going to be here to see it. I’m going to be honest,” he continued. “But, I know that he’s watching. I really thought he was going to be here in the flesh because he believed that I was going to be a 100-meter runner just as much as I was going to be a 200-meter runner.”
Faith has been at the forefront for many athletes in Paris. Movieguide® previously reported:
Twenty-year-old wrestler Kennedy Blades, one of the youngest Olympians in the 2024 games, has a powerful message for everyone watching.
When asked what has contributed the most to helping her reach the Olympic stage, Blades had one answer: Jesus.
“I’m going to be honest, like, I’ve just gotten super close to Jesus, and I just want to tell you guys that He’s King, and He’s coming soon,” she said in a video shared by Christhlete. “So, I really believe if you guys put your heart into Jesus Christ, you guys will experience nothing but happiness and grace. He’ll help you through trials and tribulations. It’s Him! That’s the main reason why I was able to accomplish such a big thing.”
