Noah Lyles opens up on his courageous battle with asthma

Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles has opened up about his lifelong struggle with asthma, shedding light on how this chronic condition has shaped his journey as a world-class sprinter. Despite his remarkable achievements on the track, including a recent gold medal in the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics, Lyles’ path to success has been marked by significant health challenges that he has had to overcome with immense determination and resilience.

In a heartfelt conversation on the ‘Everybody Wants to Be Us’ podcast, Lyles shared insights into the struggles he has faced since childhood and how these experiences have influenced his athletic career. His story is not just one of physical endurance, but also of mental and emotional strength in the face of adversity.

Lyles recalled that his battle with asthma began at a very young age. He was diagnosed with the condition when he was just three years old, and from that point on, asthma became a constant presence in his life. His childhood was filled with trips to the hospital, late nights struggling to breathe, and reliance on breathing machines to manage his symptoms. Lyles described how, during this time, his asthma was often exacerbated by common illnesses, leading to what he referred to as “super sicknesses” that would leave him feeling completely drained.

“It’s funny because when I first started running, this used to be a very big conversation, then it died out and it’s been coming back up again,” Lyles shared during the podcast. “I think at like three years old is when they officially diagnosed you with asthma, and it was truly just, you know, breathing machines, hospital visits, late nights up with my mom, going through coughing fits.”

Lyles’ journey with asthma has been anything but easy. The condition has posed significant challenges, not only in his everyday life but also in his pursuit of excellence on the track. However, Lyles has never allowed asthma to define him or limit his aspirations. Instead, he has approached his condition with a fierce determination to succeed, no matter the obstacles in his way.

This perseverance was evident when Lyles took to social media after his Olympic victory to share a broader picture of the health challenges he faces. In a candid post, Lyles revealed that asthma is just one of several conditions he has had to manage throughout his life. He also struggles with allergies, dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), anxiety, and depression. Despite these challenges, Lyles remains steadfast in his belief that no condition should define what a person can achieve.

“I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!” Lyles wrote, offering words of encouragement to others who may be facing similar struggles.

Lyles’ battle with asthma was once again brought into the spotlight shortly after his triumph in Paris. After securing a bronze medal in the 200-meter final, an event in which he is a dominant force, Lyles collapsed on the track. The physical toll of his asthma was evident, as the condition had once again pushed his body to its limits.

Asthma, a chronic lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide, is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During an asthma attack, symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain can severely impact a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, let alone perform at the highest levels of athletic competition.

For athletes like Lyles, managing asthma involves a delicate balance between maintaining peak physical condition and caring for their respiratory health. The condition is often triggered by various irritants, including dust, allergies, and air pollution, making it essential for those affected to be vigilant about their environment and lifestyle choices. Although asthma is incurable, it can be managed through medication and lifestyle adjustments aimed at minimizing exposure to triggers.

Lyles’ story is one of remarkable courage and resilience. Despite the significant challenges posed by asthma and other health conditions, he has risen to the top of his sport and continues to inspire others with his determination to succeed. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, it is possible to achieve greatness through perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering belief in oneself.