As track and field athletes gear up for their races in the upcoming Paris Olympics, two American sprinting champions, Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles, took a break from their hectic schedules to visit a local high school in Richardson’s hometown of Dallas, Texas. On September 27, Lyles and Richardson attended Desoto High School.
The two star athletes were guests at Dream Big’s health and wellness event, and each shared short yet impactful motivational messages for the students and aspiring athletes.
🚨Attention Dallas TX🚨
I will be speaking at DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL today at
6:30-8:30 PM (DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 PM)
It is open to the public!!— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) September 27, 2023
Sha’Carri Richardson: Take a risk
For Richardson, she conveyed to the audience a concept instilled in her by her grandmother at a young age and which has remained with her to this day.
“My grandmother told me, whatever you are going to do, put your best foot into, the best self into it,” said Richardson.
“Always take a risk, when you take a risk, you don’t know what you can get. But if you don’t take risks, you are going to have regrets.”, she added.
As a young athlete, Richards started her athletic endeavors in the Texas area, where she participated and distinguished herself in various state level athletic competitions. In the years that followed, she continued to participate in national and international events, where her accomplishments gained international recognition.
In August and September 2023, Richardson further established her status as one of the world’s fastest women by winning three medals at the World Championships and another gold medal at the Zurich leg of the Diamond League meeting.
And just recently, Richardson took the number 1 spot in the women’s 100 meter rankings for the first time with 1,472 points, brushing past Shericka Jackson and Marie-Josee Ta Lou.
Noah Lyles: Everybody is gifted
As for Noah Lyles, he imparted to the students that everyone possesses a gift, however, it is ultimately up to the individual to develop and utilize that gif
“No matter what they are able to grab, I want them to know that everybody is gifted with something,” Noah Lyles said.
“It’s just learning how to use it, it doesn’t have to be the same way as the person next to you.”, he added.
In his X account, Lyles thanked everyone who attended the event.
“Thank You Everyone for coming out you guys where amazing!!!”
Thank You Everyone for coming out you guys where amazing!!! pic.twitter.com/xtHBCzIyyQ
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) September 28, 2023
Born to track and field athletes, Kevin Lyles, and Keisha Caine, Lyles continued on their legacy and went on to become one of the most prominent sprinters in America. Currently ranked number 3 in Men’s 200 meters with a personal best of 19.31 seconds, Lyles is expected to make a splash in the international track and field scene when he competes in the Paris Olympics next year.
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