How changing circumstances have brought Lyles new goals in 2025
There is another element to Lyles’ 2025 reinvention that you can be certain was not on his wish list when the year began: the tendon injury that delayed his season opener until July.
However, proving once again his ability to pivot when needed, Lyles has adapted his goals for the current season.
While his dream in January may have been to chase down a world record, the realities of his condensed season mean that only one thing matters to him today: winning.
“This year, after the injury, it’s truly [about] getting right to win,” Lyles told Olympics.com at the Lausanne Diamond League.
“I’m not that worried about running fast; I believe that I will run fast. It’s really just saying, we need to be in the best position possible to win the world championships.”
Even though the 19.19-second 200m of Usain Bolt may not be at the forefront of his mind right now, the reinvention of Lyles continues at pace.
His victory in Zurich means he has already made history this year by becoming the first track athlete ever to win six Diamond League titles.
Now, with his campaign at the Worlds about to begin, the questions for today’s reinvented Lyles are these.
Can he secure a second world championships sprint double in a row? Will he win a fourth world 200m title?
And can he cement his position as the planet’s greatest sprinter – even as he and the sporting scenario around him continue to evolve?