Noah Lyles Issues Open Challenge for 2026: 'If you want to get your butt kicked, call me'

Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles has promised fans to "expect the unexpected" and has issued a bold challenge to athletes from any sport who think they can match his speed.

"It doesn't matter what sport you're in," Lyles declared in his pre-meet press before the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. "If you want to get your butt kicked by the world's fastest man, I am happy to give it to you."

This declaration comes after an unprecedented five-year stretch of major championships, during which Lyles cemented his legacy with two 100m and three 200m world titles, alongside his 2024 Olympic 100m gold. That victory catapulted him from a track and field star to a mainstream name.

Initially uncertain how to approach this season, considering it's an 'off-year,' a conversation with his fiancée Junelle Bromfield, provided clarity. She urged him to treat 2026 with the same intensity as a championship season.

"[She told me], you need to take advantage of each year, and just because it’s an off year doesn’t mean you should back off," Lyles shared. "I would be very mad at myself if I don’t go out and give everything I had, no matter the year."

The 28-year-old's 2026 season officially kicks off this Saturday in Boston, where he will race the 300m against a strong field including Trayvon Bromell and training partner Jereem Richards.

Lyles has his eyes on reclaiming the world indoor 300m record he set in 2017, only to see it broken by Steven Gardiner in 2022.

"Losing my world record quite a few years ago to Stevie, I was like, ‘Hmm, one day I’m going to get that back, so shoot, why not now?"

Beyond his upcoming wedding to Bromfield in April, Lyles' plans are wide open. He is embracing the opportunity to create unique matchups and entertain the fans.

"I’m going to turn this year into a fan year… Let’s have some fun. Let’s go do some off events," he explained. "Here’s my open challenge right now: if you’re an athlete out there and you’ve got an idea for a race, let me know. Reach out to me. Let’s get it done."

The six-time world champion has already floated several concepts himself, including a 40-yard dash against NFL players, a 400-meter race with a Major League Baseball player, a challenge against an F1 driver, and a penalty shootout with a professional soccer player.