World Athletics president Sebastian Coe dubbed him an "absolute rock star," a fitting accolade for Lyles, whose Adidas contract renewal this season was described as the biggest since Bolt's with Puma. Lyles' achievements were captured in Netflix's "Sprint," which highlighted his self-assured demeanour and brash confidence. 

The athlete expressed his belief in having a "mindset of a god," stating, "You have to have the mindset of a god. I'm a true believer in that the moment isn't bigger than me, the moment was made for me." His bold approach has polarised opinion, particularly after he challenged NBA players’ claims to being world champions, but he remains unapologetically confident.

Reflecting on his Tokyo bronze, Lyles said, "That bronze still burns a hole in my chest. I will be carrying it around during Paris just to remind me that this is not the colour we are coming back with." His recent victory at the London Diamond League, where he clocked a personal best of 9.81 seconds in the 100m, has further fuelled his optimism.

Lyles remains unshaken by competitors, including Jamaican Kishane Thompson, who clocked the year's fastest time of 9.77 seconds. "I beat everyone that I touch. I don't see why the Jamaicans are any different. This is what I pray for, this is what I live for and I back myself up, don't I?" he declared.

The American, who has overcome depression, feels ready for Paris, saying, "I know exactly where I am ahead of Paris. The more eyes on me, the better I perform, or at least that's what my therapist says. When the TV cameras are on me and people are there, I am not losing." 

He is aiming for medals in four events, including the 4x400m relay, despite some controversy surrounding his selection for the relay at the World Indoors in Glasgow, which led to accusations of favouritism. "Let's just say a lot of people in the US were very, very, very upset that I ran the 4x400 and to that I would say, 'run faster, push me out!'" he said.

Usain Bolt’s retirement in 2017, after winning 11 world and eight Olympic golds, left a void in track and field. Lyles, whose Budapest sprint double was the first since Bolt's at the 2015 Beijing Worlds, appreciates Bolt’s respect. 

"Usain Bolt has done it and him saying to me that he sees what I am doing and he respects it, it is amazing." For Lyles, medals are just the beginning. He wants to be recognised not only for his track success but also in fashion and music.

"Medals are the first step because then people pay attention to you. Then you can go into different directions: fashion, music. You can start collaborating with other people, artists and the world." To maintain his visibility and continue making an impact, Lyles knows he must keep winning.