Documenting Track Sprinter Noah Lyles' Quest To Catch Usain Bolt
Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project (2023)
A Quick TV Review
"Noah Lyles runs from his soul. That's who Noah Lyles is." So says the track sprint star's sports therapist Diana McNab. And it's how Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project begins, setting the stage for a documentary aiming to speak on what powers Lyles from within.
A Quick TV Review
"Noah Lyles runs from his soul. That's who Noah Lyles is." So says the track sprint star's sports therapist Diana McNab. And it's how Untitled: The Noah Lyles Project begins, setting the stage for a documentary aiming to speak on what powers Lyles from within.
Although Untitled was released this summer on streaming service Peacock ahead of the World Athletics Championships, and despite me being a track & field fan, I had been hesitant to start watching. I had been watchful that Lyles might have a record-breaking season, and I was curious that this was released ahead of season's end...with an unknown climax. It certainly felt during Part 1 that marketing strategy was hinging on that potential record being a key element of the show's conclusion.
Of course, "that potential record" is track legend Usain Bolt's 200-meter world record of 19.19 seconds from 2009, a mark that Lyles has publicly manifested as a goal. In fact, it's the goal...as in the eponymous 'Noah Lyles Project'. And, rather than Noah's 'soul', it's what Untitled is really about as it covers the handful of races ahead of the U.S. Championships and then the worlds.
Untitled doesn't really give a track fan any particularly new insight into who Lyles is. We've seen him as showman, we've heard of his childhood asthma and ailments, his mental health heading into Tokyo 2020, and his interest in driving attention to the sport through somewhat calculated and choreographed new means.
Perhaps the only real revelation is a brief introduction of his team, including McNab and his coach, trainer, chiropractor, agent, and family that serves as a reminder of the village it takes to create an elite athlete today. Lyles sure is engaging, though, and good on camera. Which makes Untitled an easy watch for casual fans...surely a key market as Peacock and NBC drum up viewing interest for Paris 2024.
As we knew before Part II's debut in September, Lyle doesn't get that world record by season's end. But Untitled's arc is certainly saved with Lyles' 100-meter and 200-meter double gold performance at the worlds in Budapest. And, in the process, Lyles doubles down on his personable persona and momentum.
And, in his own words, it "sets up for a sequel". The record chase continues, and Paris 2024 beckons.
Of course, "that potential record" is track legend Usain Bolt's 200-meter world record of 19.19 seconds from 2009, a mark that Lyles has publicly manifested as a goal. In fact, it's the goal...as in the eponymous 'Noah Lyles Project'. And, rather than Noah's 'soul', it's what Untitled is really about as it covers the handful of races ahead of the U.S. Championships and then the worlds.
Untitled doesn't really give a track fan any particularly new insight into who Lyles is. We've seen him as showman, we've heard of his childhood asthma and ailments, his mental health heading into Tokyo 2020, and his interest in driving attention to the sport through somewhat calculated and choreographed new means.
Perhaps the only real revelation is a brief introduction of his team, including McNab and his coach, trainer, chiropractor, agent, and family that serves as a reminder of the village it takes to create an elite athlete today. Lyles sure is engaging, though, and good on camera. Which makes Untitled an easy watch for casual fans...surely a key market as Peacock and NBC drum up viewing interest for Paris 2024.
As we knew before Part II's debut in September, Lyle doesn't get that world record by season's end. But Untitled's arc is certainly saved with Lyles' 100-meter and 200-meter double gold performance at the worlds in Budapest. And, in the process, Lyles doubles down on his personable persona and momentum.
And, in his own words, it "sets up for a sequel". The record chase continues, and Paris 2024 beckons.
RSS Feed