PARIS — Noah Lyles exuded joy and bravado moments before the 200-meter sprint at last month’s U.S. track and field trials in Eugene, Ore
He raised his arms and shouted in excitement upon his introduction.
Then, after Lyles blazed to victory and set a meet record, he pointed to his improved mental health as a big reason.
He reflected on struggling with isolation and fatigue during the pandemic Olympics in Tokyo, saying, “It helps to not have depression.”
Three years after Biles created a stir by withdrawing from several gymnastics events in Tokyo — and loudly highlighting the mental health of Olympic athletes — the once-taboo topic remains at the forefront of this year’s Summer Games.
Consider gymnast Suni Lee, who won the all-around competition in Tokyo. She detailed her post-Olympics psychological struggles in a recent Sports Illustrated story, to the point that she wondered if she would compete in Paris (she will).