Behind the 27-year-old athlete's success lies the unwavering wisdom and love of his mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, who has been a cornerstone in his life and remarkable career.

From an early age, Caine Bishop instilled in her children the importance of knowing themselves and striving to be "the best version of who they are". This approach became a beacon in the darkest moments, especially when Lyles faced personal and professional challenges. "Athletics is not who you are. It's just something you do," his mother would remind him, insisting that true value lies not in medals or titles, but in one's integrity and authenticity.

This mantra was fundamental for Lyles as he navigated a period of adversity that tested his determination and strength. The pinnacle of his career came at Paris 2024, where Lyles not only competed but shone, cementing his status as one of the world's best sprinters.

According to Caine Bishop, focusing on becoming "the best version of myself" was key to letting go of the pressure to win and allowing himself to enjoy the process, which ultimately gave him the mental freedom to excel despite the odds.

The Olympic 100m champion competed with the virus and finished third in the 200m final - a result that may not have lived up to expectations given his calibre, but was extraordinary in the context of his illness.

Lyles' mother described to Olympics.com how her son achieved such greatness: "It's his willingness to persevere through adversity. In our house we call it 'BBA', (bounce-back ability)," said Caine Bishop, using the term as a common phrase to describe her family and, more fundamentally, her son's ability to overcome adversity and move forward with resilience.

Lyles, the men's 100m champion and 200m bronze medallist at Paris 2024, has shown plenty of BBA in his career, including at these Olympic Games when unexpected circumstances arose. Lyles is always ready for a surprise, says Caine Bishop.

"It's really amazing to see his growth, his transformation and his willingness to persevere through adversity. And I think that's why he's really comfortable being himself," Caine Bishop told Olympics.com in an interview.

Lyles faced his fair share of adversity in Paris, especially after testing positive for Covid-19 just days before the 200m final. Nevertheless, he finished on the podium and later said he was "more proud of myself than anything else for coming out here and getting that bronze".

"I think personal growth is the biggest difference," Caine Bishop said of Lyles, who won seven medals at the World Athletics Championships between 2019 and 2023, two silver medals at the World Indoor Championships in 2024 and three medals at the World Relay Championships between 2017 and 2024.

Despite not winning gold, Lyles reflected on the importance of going beyond the final standings. "I've never been more proud of myself," he said of his 200m bronze. The virus that affected him at the 33rd modern Olympics also affected him in a different way at Tokyo 2020, which has been postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic, his mother said.

Lyles' success isn't an isolated phenomenon; it's closely linked to his younger brother, Josephus Lyles. "This was actually Josephus' vision," explained Caine Bishop, referring to the journey the two brothers have taken together in the world of athletics. Although their paths have been different, they feed off each other and their closeness has been a defining factor in their careers. "They are really close, which is a blessing," adds their mother, insisting that although they have faced challenges like any family, the genuine love they have for each other is undeniable.

Keisha Caine Bishop, who has made a name for herself in media circles, was seen giving interviews and supporting her son from the stands during the Paris Games. Although she plays an advisory role in Noah's life, she also knows when to step back, especially when it comes to matters such as trends and fashion. "I'm not cool to Noah," she jokes with a laugh, but she admits that her son consults her on many aspects of his life and they have a close and respectful relationship.

Noah Lyles' journey to greatness is a story of perseverance, resilience and the love of family. At every step of his life, he has carried with him the teachings of his mother and the inspiration of his brother, proving that behind every great athlete there is a great family that supports and drives them to be the best version of themselves.