Noah Lyles Announces First Race of 2026 as He Eyes Strong Track Return

World and Olympics champion Noah Lyles intends to open his 2026 campaign at a place where he has won the last four titles in a row.

After a 70-day break from competition, world champion sprinter Noah Lyles has confirmed his return to the track, signaling the start of his 2026 season.

The American star is set to compete in the 60m dash at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on January 24.

Lyles announced his participation by sharing an official event poster on his Instagram story. The poster, which also featured fellow athletes Jake Wightman and Elle St. Pierre, served as a quiet declaration of his intent to dominate the upcoming indoor season. The event will be broadcast live on NBC.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

What is on the Line at New Balance Grand Prix?

This will be Lyles' eighth appearance at the prestigious Boston meet, where he has built a formidable record. He is currently on a four-year winning streak in the 60m event. While he clocked 6.52 seconds to win in 2025, his personal best and the meet record stands at 6.44 seconds, a time he set in 2024. Fans will be eager to see if he can challenge that mark this year.

While the full start list has not yet been released, Lyles could face stiff competition from familiar rivals. Potential opponents include last year's silver and bronze medalists, Terence Jones and Pjai Austin, respectively. Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs could also emerge as a significant challenger to Lyles' reign.

More than just a $10,000 winner's prize is on the line. Victory at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix secures an automatic entry into the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled to take place in Kujawy-Pomorze, Poland, from March 20-22.

Lyles opted out of the 2025 World Indoor Championships in China, citing the long travel distance from his Virginia home and a desire to better manage his season schedule.

Lyles Count Be headline Act at 2026 Indoors

"World Championships is in September," Lyles said after his 2025 win in Boston. "By not going to indoor, which is all the way in China... it saves me a lot of time to prepare for that moment."

However, with the 2026 championships being held in Poland, speculation is growing that Lyles will make the trip to compete for the 60m world indoor title. His recent comments have only fueled the anticipation for the season ahead.

"Keep your head up and your eyes open," Lyles told WWD in a November interview. "I think 2026 will be very big."

As he prepares to launch his campaign in Boston, all eyes will be on Lyles to see if he can once again assert his dominance on the world stage.