Even in a sport defined by precision and discipline, Noah Lyles stands out for his flair. Whether leaping into a camera lens or donning “Star Wars” socks to salute May the Fourth, he embraces performance as part of competition. In Paris, his energy surged as he stirred the crowd with practiced charm. Yet amid all the cheer, there is one theatrical flourish that remains out of reach. Even for Lyles. There is no champagne at the finish line. And recently, Lyles revealed the curious reason why.
In conversation with Sports Business Journal, the sprinter answered a question few outside the sport have thought to ask. Why don’t track and field athletes celebrate with champagne after a win? His reply was frank. “Yeah, it has legal issues,” Lyles said. “There’s so many rules in track and field… but yes, legal issues. It looks bad on TV,” Lyles added. The answer, both practical and slightly exasperated, pointed to a mix of outdated formality and inconsistent standards that plague his sport.
Lyles did not limit his observation to vague discomforts. He noted the cultural inconsistency in such restrictions. “They do it in Formula One,” he pointed out. “They do it after triathlons.” His frustration was not with alcohol itself but with the rigid constraints unique to track and field. While other sports embrace celebration as a theatrical climax. Pouring, spraying, and sometimes even wasting the very drink that signifies triumph. Track meets deny even the hint of indulgence. “It’s a very weird thing,” Lyles remarked, pausing as if to search for a logical explanation. In the end, he offered a simple truth: “It really comes down to whoever controls the meet gets to control the rules.” This remark, though casual, revealed a deeper issue about the structure of international track and field.
Unlike leagues with centralized control, the fragmented nature of track events. Often run by different organizations, sponsors, or federations, it means customs vary widely. Some allow dancing; others frown upon even a gesture. And while Lyles thrives on energy and audience interaction, the sport’s leaders have not always shared his theatrical instinct.
Perhaps this contrast explains why Lyles continues to captivate beyond medals and times. He competes with a sense of occasion. But in a sport wary of spectacle, even a showman must settle for water. However, Lyles is not a big fan of drinking. In fact, in order to keep his strict diet enjoyable, Lyles has a great cheese sandwich recipe.
Noah Lyles maintains his cravings with special grilled cheese sandwich
When Olympians crave comfort, they don’t always reach for protein bars or bland meal preps. Some, like Noah Lyles, turn to something far more satisfying. A grilled cheese sandwich. But true to form, the sprint star doesn’t settle for the ordinary. He’s crafted a version with enough kick and flavor to match his performances on the track.
In a conversation with NBC 6 South Florida, Lyles broke down the sandwich he knows by heart. It begins with spicy mayo, generously spread on both slices of bread. From there, he opts for a tangy, creamy twist: “Goat cheese—to an amount that you actually want to eat,” he explains, emphasizing portion by instinct. Since goat cheese can crumble easily, he suggests simply pulling off solid blocks from the log rather than fussing with perfect slices.
The real trick lies in the timing. After assembling the sandwich, Lyles places it in a hot pan and waits for the ideal crisp. Once browned, it’s flipped, pressed, and finished to a perfect golden toast. “Cut your sandwich,” he says, adding his preferred shape, “a long triangle.” The result? A grilled cheese that feels indulgent but smart, a little sharp, a little spicy, and unmistakably personal. This isn’t just comfort food. It’s a statement.
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