Noah Lyles, determined to bounce back from his setback in 2020, is now focused on securing a victory in the 100-meter race at the Olympic trials.

Noah Lyles is edging closer to securing his second Olympic team spot. During the U.S. Olympic trials at Hayward Field, the sprinting sensation clocked an impressive time of 9.92 seconds in the 100-meter race, making him the fastest in the 35-man field. This achievement has earned him a spot in the semifinals, which will take place on Sunday at 8:48 p.m. ET/5:48 p.m. PT. If he progresses, he will compete in the final at 10:49 p.m. ET/7:49 p.m. PT.

Reflecting on his experience from the previous Olympics, Lyles feels more prepared and knows what to expect this time around. He expressed that he doesn't feel much pressure heading into Sunday's races after a successful first round. With confidence, he stated, "I'm already entering as the fastest 100-meter runner, ranking third in the world. It's a much better position than last year, so if I achieved it then, I can definitely achieve it this year."

Lyles has set his sights on running 9.7 seconds or under in both the semifinal and final races on Sunday. Additionally, he will also participate in the 200-meter event later in the week. His ultimate goal is to become the "fastest man on Earth," a title that has been held by Jamaica's Usain Bolt with a record time of 9.58 seconds for the past 28 years.

In August, Lyles showcased his exceptional talent by securing three gold medals at the world championships in Budapest. He emerged victorious in both the 100 and 200 meters, as well as anchoring the U.S. 4x100 relay team. This remarkable feat marked the first time since 2015 that anyone had achieved the double victory at the world championships, with Bolt being the last to do so.

Although Lyles did not qualify for the 100-meter event in the 2020 Olympics, finishing seventh out of eight runners in the trials final, he did manage to claim the bronze medal in the 200 meters. The disappointment he felt from falling short in 2020 has fueled his determination for the 2024 Olympics.

“It’s amazing to finally be here,” Lyles said. “In Tokyo, I felt like I had blown a huge opportunity. The more I look back at it, the more I’m like, ‘Wow, if I never had that moment happen, I never would have produced what I have done up until now.’ I don’t think there would be the drive in me as much as it has the last couple years.”

Lyles said the experience has also forced him to ask himself how he can do better.

“Each year has been a huge improvement to where now I’m coming in as the world champion and the American record holder,” he said. “I didn’t have any of those titles back at the last one, so it’s a huge confidence booster.”