Credits: CNN
World champion Noah Lyles clinched his place at the Paris Olympics with a stunning performance in the men’s 100 meters at the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday. Lyles tied his personal best of 9.83 seconds in the final, securing his ticket to France.
After a dominant semifinal earlier in the day, Lyles crossed the finish line first in the final. He was followed by Kenny Bednarek, who clocked a personal best of 9.87 seconds, and Fred Kerley, who finished third with a season’s best of 9.88 seconds. Both Bednarek and Kerley, who won silver medals in the 100m and 200m respectively at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, also qualified for Paris.
Lyles, the reigning world champion in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, redeemed himself after missing out on the 100m in Tokyo, where he finished seventh at the trials. He did, however, win a bronze medal in the 200m event.
“Three years ago, I got second to last. This year I came and won it,” Lyles told reporters after the race. “Part of the plan. Nothing changed. Might be a shock to everybody else, but when you know the goal, you know the goal.”
Reflecting on his journey, Lyles added, “If I didn’t get that third place in Tokyo, I wouldn’t have had that desire. I wouldn’t have had that fire burning. I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have accomplished in the past.”
Lyles’ confidence was evident from the start as he hyped up the crowd before the race. He maintained his poise throughout, even celebrating with a raised finger before crossing the finish line.
The race was not without challenges. Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion, took an early lead but faded around the halfway point, finishing fourth, just 0.05 seconds behind Kerley.
With his place in the 100m secured, Lyles now aims to achieve a double by winning the 200m later this week, setting his sights on improving the bronze he won in Tokyo. “I’m ready. That American record is looking vulnerable,” he confidently stated.
The Paris Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11, with the men’s 100m final scheduled for August 4.
