Noah Lyles’ net worth increased thanks to Olympic 100m race win | Other

Noah Lyles is the new Olympic 100m champion after winning a sensational final on Sunday evening. Lyles triumphed by the slimmest of margins, winning by just five thousandths of a second.

The American’s victory was so close that he posted the same time on screen as Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson. It was only after a tense photo finish that it was revealed that he had won with one of the closest 100-meter winning distances in history.

It meant Lyles would be immortalized among the greats of the sport, alongside the likes of Usain Bolt. It also meant he would receive a big windfall, initially in prize money and likely later on in the form of his growing fame.

In terms of prize money for winning the 100m, Lyles is expected to receive a total of around $137,500 (£107,601). Firstly from World Athletics, which in a groundbreaking move earlier this year announced it would award prize money to Olympic medalists, becoming the first international federation to do so.

The $50,000 (£39,000) prize money comes directly from them, while the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee will add another $37,500 (£29,300) to his winnings. On top of that, former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘OchoCinco’ Johnson have pledged $25,000 (£19,500) to each American gold medalist, giving Lyles a total winnings of $137,500.

Former Denver Broncos player Sharpe made a bold bet on the Nightcap podcast before the Games, saying, “Hey, Noah Lyles, if you win gold in the 100-meter dash, me and Ocho will each get $25,000.”

Meanwhile, former Cincinnati Bengals star Johnson joked, “I bet you. You know I don’t like to spend money.” Lyles — and the rest of us — will now be watching closely to see if the couple keeps their generous promise.

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

“I had to take each round as it came and I was a little nervous after the first round, so I came in aggressively and… ran 9.83 (in the semifinals). I hope you like Noah, because I’ve got a lot more to do!”