Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles Reflects on Cult Upbringing Ahead of Paris 2024

Noah Lyles, the Olympic gold medalist, has opened up about his unconventional childhood, revealing that he was raised in a strict church environment he describes as a cult. In a recent episode of the Everybody Wants to Be Us podcast, the 27-year-old sprinter shared insights into his upbringing, highlighting the controlling nature of the community, which dictated personal relationships and family dynamics. Lyles clarified that while his experience was not akin to the infamous Jonestown tragedy, it was nonetheless restrictive, with homeschooling mandated for children and the father positioned as the household leader. Lyles recounted how his family eventually relocated to North Carolina in search of a more liberating environment, only to discover that the local church there exhibited similar authoritarian practices. This pattern of control significantly impacted Lyles and his mother, shaping their perspectives on organized religion. Despite their struggles with traditional church structures, Lyles noted that his mother’s unwavering faith has been a source of inspiration for him, encouraging him to maintain his spiritual beliefs. The athlete attributes his faith as a crucial factor in overcoming challenges, including battling swine flu during his ninth-grade year, which did not deter him from competing in trials for the World Youth track-and-field team. His determination paid off, as he became the youngest member of the team, setting him on a path that culminated in his gold medal victory in the men’s 100-meter final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he clocked an impressive 9.79 seconds.