Noah Lyles Dedicates Olympic Gold Medal to Late Coach Rashawn Jackson After Thrilling 100m Final Victory.
Noah Lyles was quick to dedicate his Olympic gold medal to his late coach Rashawn Jackson after winning the 100m final. The American snatched the gold medal from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson on Sunday night by just 0.005 seconds following a dramatic surge. His victory adds to the bronze medal he earned at Tokyo 2020 in the 200m, another event in which he aims to claim gold.
In an interview following the epic race, the 27-year-old paid tribute to Jackson, who passed away earlier this summer. Overcome with emotion, Lyles acknowledged the significant role Jackson played in shaping his career, having coached him at Alexandria City High School. Following Jackson’s death in July, Lyles penned a heartfelt social media post.
Speaking after his 100m triumph, he struggled to contain his emotions. “It’s an amazing moment, I don’t think it’s completely sunk in to be honest,” Lyles told reporters. “I have so many homes, and Alexandria [city in Virginia] is definitely one of them, Charlotte, North Carolina, Orlando, Florida, Clermont, Gainesville [both Florida]. There’s so many places that I have ties to, and my coach, Rashawn Jackson, he recently died.
“I remember when I was running on the back stretch and I was like, ‘This one is for you, man.'” At that point, Lyles could be heard breaking down. Through apparent tears, he continued: “I thought he was going to be here to see it, I’m going to be honest.” Lyles’ emotional dedication to his late coach highlights the profound impact Jackson had on his life and career.
As Lyles celebrated his gold medal win, he was surrounded by his loved ones, including his family and teammates. The moment was a testament to the hard work and dedication that had gone into his training, as well as the support system that had helped him achieve his goals.
Lyles’ journey to the top has not been without its challenges, however. He has spoken publicly about the struggles he faced in his early days as a sprinter, including self-doubt and frustration. But with the guidance of coaches like Jackson, he was able to overcome those obstacles and reach new heights.
Throughout his career, Lyles has been known for his exceptional speed and technique on the track. But it is his resilience and determination that have truly set him apart as a world-class athlete.
As he looks to the future, Lyles is determined to continue pushing himself to new heights. He has already set his sights on the 200m event, where he hopes to claim another gold medal. With his dedication and talent, there is no doubt that he will continue to make waves in the world of track and field.
In conclusion, Noah Lyles’ gold medal win in the 100m final is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the impact of his late coach Rashawn Jackson. His emotional dedication to Jackson highlights the profound impact that coaches can have on an athlete’s life and career. As Lyles continues to push himself to new heights, he will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of track and field.
