Noah Lyles net worth boost thanks to prize money from Olympic 100m win | Other

Noah Lyles is the new Olympic 100m champion after coming out on top in a sensational final on Sunday night. Lyles triumphed by the barest of margins, emerging victorious by a mere five-thousandths of a second.

The American’s victory was so tight that, on screen, he recorded the same time as Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson. Only after a tense photo finish did it emerge that he had won by one of the closest 100m winning distances of all time.

It meant Lyles’ name will now be immortalized among the greats of the sport, alongside the likes of Usain Bolt. It also means he will receive a healthy windfall, initially thanks to prize money and, most likely, subsequently from his increased fame.

In terms of prize money for winning the 100m, Lyles should receive around $137,500 (£107,601) in total. That comes first from World Athletics who, in a groundbreaking move earlier this year, announced that it would be awarding prize money to Olympic medalists, making it the first international federation to do so.

A $50,000 (£39,000) prize purse comes directly from them, while the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee will add a further $37,500 (£29,300) to his winnings. On top of this, former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson have pledged to give $25,000 each (£19,500) to every American gold medalist, bringing Lyles’ total windfall to $137,500.

Former Denver Broncos tight end Sharpe made the bold wager on the Nightcap podcast before the Games, saying: “Hey, Noah Lyles, if you win the 100 meter gold, me and Ocho $25,000 apiece.”

Meanwhile, ex-Cincinnati Bengals star Johnson quipped: “Bet. You know I don’t like to spend money.” Lyles – and the rest of us – will now be watching closely to see whether the pair following through on their generous pledge.

After clinching the gold medal, an elated Noah Lyles told BBC Sport: “You couldn’t have asked for a bigger moment.

“I had to take every round as it was and I was a little upset after the first round, so I came with the aggression and… I ran 9.83 (in the semi-final). I hope you guys like Noah because I ‘ve got a lot more coming!’