Noah Lyles’ mother was emotional after her son’s historic gold medal in the men’s 100 meters.
Keisha Caine Bishop broke down in tears as Lyles emerged victorious from the tight race, which he won by 0.005 of a second in a time of 9.79 on Sunday.
The 27-year-old shared a touching moment with his family, running to hug his mother, who sweetly told him: “You did it. My God, you are amazing.”
She continued: “Oh my gosh, you are so blessed, I’m so proud of you. I’m so proud. I’m so proud.”
He also hugged his girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, and his sister, Abby, before heading back out onto the dance floor to continue his celebration.
Noah Lyles’ mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, was emotional after her son’s victory in the 100 meters
Noah Lyles on Sunday became the first American in 20 years to win the men’s 100-meter final.
Lyles narrowly edged out Jamaican Kishane Thompson for silver, while fellow American Fred Kerley also finished third.
The Florida native has been candid about his struggles to reach the top, overcoming bullying and severe asthma on his way to greatness.
He said TIME last month that he felt ‘so empty’ when the COVID-19 pandemic began, severely affecting his health.
“I could barely talk,” Lyles said. “I was so tired. All the time. Even thinking was exhausting. I felt like I was having a constant asthma attack.
He continued: “You know there’s more room in your lungs, but you can’t physically use your muscles to take that breath.”
He beat Jamaican Kishane Thompson in Paris, finishing with a time of 9.79 seconds.
Lyles has been candid about how he overcame bullying and severe asthma on his way to the top.
Lyles suffered from severe asthma as a child and the sprinter was not allowed to have toys or teddy bears for fear they would collect dust and make his condition worse. He had a barking cough and some people mistook him for a dog from a distance.
His mother told the magazine: ‘One day I was on a work conference call and the supervisor said, “Could someone please take their dog for a walk?”
Lyles, who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, also suffered “relentless” bullying at school.
“It was an emotional beating, that’s what really breaks you,” he revealed frankly.
Despite setbacks, he has risen to the top of athletics and has now earned the title of the fastest man in the world.