American sprinter Noah Lyles discusses his journey and legacy

American sprinter Noah Lyles shares insights on his career, mindset, and future aspirations with CNN's Coy Wire.

(CNN)- Noah Lyles, renowned as the fastest man on the planet, recently sat down with CNN’s Coy Wire to discuss his extraordinary career and the mindset that drives him. Known for his incredible speed and charismatic personality, Lyles opened up about his approach to greatness and the significance of his achievements.

In the interview, Lyles emphasized his dedication to making monumental moments in the world of athletics. “I’m all about making moments, big moments. I want to do things that nobody has done,” he said. Lyles explained that his ambition is to reach for the stars and, even if he falls short, he lands on the clouds—a metaphor for his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lyles, who turned professional as a teenager with dreams of Olympic gold, reflected on his journey from a sprinting prodigy to an Olympic icon. “I remember when I saw my first Olympics and I was like, oh, that’s cool because so many family members and close friends were already Olympians,” he shared. “So in my head, I thought becoming an Olympian was like getting a driver’s license.”

The athlete’s confidence in his abilities was clear as he discussed his title as the fastest man on Earth. “Personally, I always knew it was me. It’s more for everybody else. It’s more like proof,” he stated. Lyles views his records not just as personal achievements but as validation of his long-held belief in his own potential.

In addition to his athletic prowess, Lyles has brought a unique presence to the sport with his wit and outspoken nature. He attributes this to being his authentic self and believes that fans are drawn to his personality and stories. “If you want to have more of an outside presence besides just running, just be you, show people you,” he said.

When asked about fear and bravery, Lyles offered a philosophical perspective. “I think it’s better to say what is bravery because a lot of people say bravery and fear are two sides of the same coin. But when you have bravery, it’s not the absence of fear, but the ability to have fear and still go into the unknown knowing that it’s there.”

Looking to the future, Lyles is driven by the desire to achieve what has never been done before. “I think of something and it’s like, ok, has somebody done this? Ok. If somebody hasn’t done this, why haven’t they do it? Why can’t I be the first to do it?” he said.