Countdown to Tokyo: American sprinter Noah Lyles

(KYMA, KECY/ NBC News) - There is a simple recipe to trying to become the fastest man on earth. Run straight and as fast as you can. For Noah Lyles, creativity is at his core so running fast is just one way to express himself.

"The best part is when you're way behind and you catch somebody," said Lyles.

But there's more than just catching someone from behind that makes Lyles happy. He also has a huge interest in the arts. More specifically, floral designs and painting.

"When they were growing up, I really wanted to expose them to a lot of different things," said his mother, Keisha Caine Bishop. "We would go to the theatre and visit museums. I just think you should really just explore and see what you really like to do. But I think that you should continue to evolve and that's probably the mindset he has also when he pursues those passions."

Running being one of those passions, in pursuit of a gold medal at this year's Olympics.

The Countdown to Tokyo is officially in the final stretch, now just 45 days away from opening ceremonies. Stay tuned here on KYMA.com for the latest Olympic stories.