Noah Lyles Opens 2026 Season in Style as Trayvon Bromell and Vernon Norwood Await Next Test

Noah Lyles launched his indoor season with an impressive win in the 300m at the Carnes Invitational in Florida, marking his first race at this distance since 2017.

The American sprinter clocked a time of 32.60 seconds to edge out Ace Malone (32.70s) and George Franks (32.88s).

This was Noah Lyles' first 300m competition in several years. His last outing in the event was in 2017, when he captured the US Indoor Championships title and broke the indoor world record by one-hundredth of a second.

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At the recent event held at the Alachua County Sports Complex, the reigning Olympic 100m champion was in a tight battle with Malone for much of the race. However, Noah Lyles found an extra gear in the final moments, surging ahead to secure the victory.

The 28-year-old's 2025 season concluded at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, where he successfully defended his 200m title and contributed to a 4x100m relay gold.

This achievement made him the first man since Usain Bolt to win four 200m world titles. While he solidified his dominance in the half-lap event, he was unable to retain his 100m crown, losing to Oblique Seville.

Noah Lyles is scheduled to compete next in the 300m at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston on January 24, 2026.

He will face a stacked field that includes Jereem Richards, Trayvon Bromell, and Vernon Norwood as he chases the world's best time.

Meanwhile, known for his distinctive on-track style and outspoken confidence, Noah Lyles has never shied away from the spotlight.

He has faced criticism for his comments questioning the ‘world champion’ title given to American sports league winners, but the eight-time world medallist remains committed to elevating track and field's global profile.

During an appearance as a race ambassador at the Bajaj Pune Marathon in December 2025, Lyles told CNBC-TV18 that his ambitions extend beyond just winning medals. He explained that his primary goal is to transform the sport and push it to new heights.

At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Noah Lyles was a top contender in the sprints. He captured the 100m gold medal in a photo finish, the narrowest victory margin in modern Olympic history, just ahead of Kishane Thompson. He also secured a bronze medal in the 200m but did not participate in the relay event.