Noah Lyles celebrates after winning gold in the 200 meters at the World Athletics Championships.© AFP
Noah Lyles delivered a scintillating performance to retain his 200m world title on Thursday as American sprinters claimed their second clean podium at the world championship in Oregon.
Five days after Fred Kerley led a 1-2-3 in the US in the 100m, Lyles delivered another show-stopping display at Hayward Field, taking him to victory in 19.31 seconds – the fourth fastest time in history. Only Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake have run faster.
The charismatic American star – who struggled to make a mark at the Olympics last year after being announced as one of the favorites – took gold ahead of Kenny Bednarek in 19.77 seconds, with teenager Erriyon Knighton third in 19. 80 seconds.
Lyles let out a roar of cheers after he crossed the finish line, before ripping open his vest in pleasure.
The 25-year-old from Florida had earned his right to the lavish celebration after a performance that surpassed Michael Johnson’s longstanding record of 19.32secs to become the fastest US 200m runner in history.
“Today is my day and I can finally do what I’ve dreamed of for years. I have my whole family here,” Lyles said afterwards.
“I was hoping it would be a fast time because I thought it would be slow.”
promoted
The outcome had never been in doubt from the moment Lyles erupted smoothly from the blocks and reached top speed within 50 yards to open a comfortable lead out of the corner.
Bednarek and Knighton tried to keep in touch, but Lyles was unstoppable, who seemed to find an extra gear to pull away and eventually took the tire a few yards away from Bednarek.
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