Noah Lyles marketing lecture to reform athletics

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ATHLETICS: Noah Lyles marketing lecture to reform athletics

Festus Chuma 15:30 - 14.09.2023

100m world champion, Noah Lyles demands a marketing overhaul for track and field in the US, highlighting its untapped potential.

Noah Lyles, the reigning men's 100m world champion, is once again making headlines, but this time it is not for his lightning-fast sprints. 

The charismatic athlete has taken a bold stand, advocating for a significant overhaul in the marketing and coverage of track and field in the United States.

Lyles, known not only for his blazing speed but also for his distinctive actions, unique hairstyles, and captivating victory celebrations, has been a vocal advocate for bringing more attention to the sport he loves. 

In a recent interview with former American football player Brandon Marshall, he did not hold back on expressing his concerns.

"That leads to another issue of our sport, that we are running in these random places. We are running in these random places where people can’t understand," Lyles emphasized.

Marshall, seemingly bewildered by the upcoming location of Lyles' competition, candidly responded, "Where the hell is Eugene?"

Lyles, undeterred by the geographical confusion, elaborated on his point. "They are excited and they are like, they just saw me or Sha’Carri or Christian Coleman who else won world championships," he stated.

 "They wanna go see them now. It’s like…OK, we are gonna be in the U.S. But how would they know if we aren’t marketing or targeting the right demographics which we really struggle with."

Lyles' frustration highlights a fundamental issue faced by track and field in the United States: inadequate marketing and promotion. 

Despite the presence of world-class athletes like Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Christian Coleman, the sport often struggles to capture the attention of the broader American public.

Noah Lyles, with his remarkable 9.83-second performance, clinched the men's 100m world champion title, showcasing his immense talent on the global stage. 

However, he believes that such achievements should receive more recognition and exposure, not only within the track and field community but also among the general public.

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