Noah Lyles says he’s “super excited” about his progress toward defending his 100 and 200 meters titles at track and field’s world championships in Tokyo.

Noah Lyles says he’s “super excited” about his progress toward defending his 100 and 200 meters titles at track and field’s world championships in Tokyo.

 

 

American sprint star Noah Lyles says he is “super excited” about his form and progress as he prepares to defend his 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With just weeks remaining before the competition, Lyles appears confident and focused on maintaining his dominance on the global sprinting stage.

Lyles, 27, is coming off a sensational 2023 season in which he claimed triple gold at the World Championships in Budapest, winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. That performance solidified his status as one of the most electrifying sprinters in the sport and a legitimate contender to Usain Bolt’s legacy.

Now, as he looks toward Tokyo 2025, Lyles is feeling optimistic about where he stands. “I’m super excited about my progress,” he told reporters after a recent training session. “My team and I have been focused on refining every detail — from my block starts to my top-end speed. We’re seeing the results every week.”

Lyles’ buildup to Tokyo has included strong showings on the Diamond League circuit. He clocked a season-best 9.85 seconds in the 100m and a world-leading 19.52 in the 200m earlier this summer, both performances signaling that he’s in prime shape to challenge for more global titles.

“The 100 has really come together this year,” Lyles said. “That’s been the focus — making sure I get out strong and stay composed. The 200 will always be my favorite, but I want to keep proving I can be just as dominant in both.”

What sets Lyles apart is not just his raw speed but his ability to rise to the occasion. He thrives under pressure and has developed a reputation for delivering his best performances on the world stage. In Budapest, he became the first man since Bolt to win both the 100m and 200m at a single world championship. He’s now aiming to do it again — and perhaps even faster.

“Tokyo’s going to be something special,” he said. “I’ve been visualizing this moment for months. The goal is to defend both titles and keep raising the standard.”

Behind the scenes, Lyles has also focused on his physical and mental health. He’s been open about working with a sports psychologist and prioritizing recovery and nutrition. He credits these efforts with helping him maintain consistency and confidence in an increasingly competitive sprinting field.

His main rivals in Tokyo are expected to include Kenyan-American Ferdinand Omanyala, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, and U.S. teammate Christian Coleman. But Lyles, as usual, is focused more on his own lane than on anyone else’s.

“I respect the competition, but I’m not chasing anyone,” Lyles said. “I’m chasing greatness.”

With the Olympics just a year away, a successful title defense in Tokyo would only elevate Lyles’ momentum heading into Paris 2026. For now, though, all eyes are on Tokyo — and Lyles looks ready.