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World leads in the sprints highlighted action during the second half of the US Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Six-time world champion Noah Lyles added another Olympic Trials title to his collection with his victory in the men’s 200m on Saturday in a world-leading 19.53. Michael Johnson’s meeting record of 19.66 had stood since 1996 before Lyles broke it in his semi-final (19.60), then broke it again in the final. The feat strengthened Lyles’ case for four gold medals at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“You claim you’re gonna go out there and win four medals, so the goal had to be win the 100m and 200m – job is accomplished,” Lyles said. “I’m right where I need to be.”
Lyles led five athletes under 20 seconds, showcasing the depth of the US men. He was pushed to the line by Olympic silver medallist Kenny Bednarek, who took 0.08 off his personal best with his second-place performance of 19.59. World silver medallist Erriyon Knighton was third in a season’s best of 19.77.
Saturday also saw Olympic bronze medallist Gabby Thomas take the crown in the women’s 200m in 21.81, having clocked a world-leading 21.78 in her semifinal.
“I feel like everything’s coming together right where it needs to and I’ve done my job,” Thomas said. “Now we’re looking at the gold medal.”
SOURCE: JESSI GABRIEL FOR WORLD ATHLETICS