Noah Lyles was aware that he had completed the best race of his life and, conceivably, the greatest 200-meter run by an American. In the World Athletics Championships final on Thursday night, he finished so far ahead of the competition that as soon as he crossed the line, he turned to face his lone real rival: the clock.
Lyles’ unofficial time was 19.32, but the on-field clock obstinately displayed that reading for painful intervals. The timing was identical to what Michael Johnson ran in the 200 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which would have thrilled any other athlete in the world. It has appeared untouchable ever since. Before now.
Lyles, 25, stood there staring with his fists on his hips. He approached the clock at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, and began conversing with it.
He knelt down in front of it, unsure of whether his efforts would be fruitful. One summer, after earning a disappointing bronze medal in the Olympics in Tokyo, Lyles set his sights on the record. Everything came together in Oregon, where Lyles took control of a highly anticipated race with the help of a strong start.
Lyles appeared to be fighting with the clock while standing on the track after the race. Finally turning away, two things took place. His time was reduced by one tenth of a second to 19.31 on the clock’s display. It blared the magic word “Official” from above.
The celebration of a world championship burst into jubilation over Lyles being named the fastest American to ever run the 200 meters when screens throughout the stadium updated with the official timing. A sizable family contingent was present to support him on his big moment. “Mom, stepdad, sister, brother, dad, stepmom, uncle, grandma,” Lyles later recited the list.
A U.S. sweep in the men’s 200 meters was highlighted by the new record, with 18-year-old Erriyon Knighton taking home bronze and Kenneth Bednarek taking home silver.
Lyles experienced a long-overdue sense of relief. He has made a point of being transparent about the obstacles he has faced while training and competing, such as his asthma. He claims that counseling has helped him deal with his depression, and he strives to support young children who want to pursue track but lack the resources to do so.
However, Lyles outran everyone on Thursday night as he established a new benchmark for American track. He is now firmly established as one of the quickest guys ever.
Johnson, a BBC Sport broadcaster, was there to witness the loss of his record. He personally congratulated Lyles.
With a wide smile, Lyles admitted, “I didn’t expect him to come down.
Johnson though did. Finally, his record followed suit.
