Noah Lyles is the world’s fastest man.
The 27-year-old American won a gold medal in the 100-meter sprint Sunday after eking out a win over Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just five-thousandths of a second.
Lyles, who is sponsored by Adidas, was already gaining popularity—and notoriety—prior to Paris not only for his success on the track but also for his brash personality. The win cements him as one of the greatest sprinters of all-time. His gold medal comes with a $50,000 prize, and he had reportedly signed the richest endorsement deal for any runner since Usain Bolt.
This win, however, should also catapult him into one of sports’ most marketable athletes, and lead to even bigger paydays. One way to get there: A signature sneaker, which he has now told Adidas he wants.
Lyles returns to the track Monday for Round 1 of the 200-meter race, and he has a chance to become the first Olympian since Usain Bolt in 2016 to win both the 100-meter and 200-meter events, known as the “double.” He achieved his first “double” at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
