Reigning world champion Lyles, Tokyo medallist Thomas advance in 200 metres

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Athletics – Males’s 200m – Closing – Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – August 4, 2021. Noah Lyles of the US celebrates along with his nationwide flag after profitable bronze REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

EUGENE, Ore., June 25 (Reuters) – World champion Noah Lyles overcame a latest COVID-19 analysis to scorch the boys’s 200 metres preliminaries on the U.S. championships on Saturday, whereas Tokyo bronze medallist Gabby Thomas and fan-favourite Sha’Carri Richardson superior on the ladies’s facet.

The highest three finishers in Eugene, Oregon, who meet sure qualifying requirements, and reigning world title-holders will compete on the world championships, which will likely be held in the US for the primary time from July 15 on the identical observe. read more

Lyles was the quickest man within the 200 metres heats in 19.95 seconds, with 100 metres world champion Christian Coleman, 18-year-old sensation Erriyon Knighton and Tokyo silver medallist Kenny Bednarek profitable their respective heats.

Lyles stated COVID-19 stored him off the observe from Monday by Saturday final week.

“From what I can see I have not had an excessive amount of concern – on the identical time, me and my coach are taking this race by race. He says if something is wanting irregular, we’re pulling out,” stated Lyles, who additionally collected bronze in Tokyo.

Fred Kerley, who gained the 100 metres last the night time earlier than, additionally superior.

Thomas gained her warmth in 22.59, whereas Richardson, who had didn’t advance within the 100 metres, completed a tenth of a second slower to succeed in to the semi-finals. read more

Nationwide collegiate indoor champion Abby Steiner produced the quickest time in 22.14, whereas world silver medallist Brittany Brown additionally superior to the semi-final.

World champion Nia Ali, who took break day after giving delivery in Might 2021, gained her 100 metres hurdles semi-final, whereas world recorder-holder Kendra Harrison produced the quickest general time in 12.40.

“I wanted the races, I have been out a 12 months, completely happy to return out and compete,” stated Ali, who additionally collected silver in Rio.

Reigning world champion Grant Holloway and twice Olympian Devon Allen, who’s juggling a profession as a large receiver within the Nationwide Soccer League (NFL) gained their respective heats within the males’s 110 metres hurdles opening spherical.

“That felt good. Simply to return again and see what occurs – I am excited with the whole lot,” stated Holloway, who took silver in Tokyo.

Allen, who put the observe world on discover when he produced the third-fastest all-time efficiency in New York earlier this month, stated he would “take it straightforward” with the gridiron for a bit. read more

World and Olympic silver medallist Rai Benjamin superior to the boys’s 400 metres hurdles last in 47.93 seconds.

Reporting by Gene Cherry in Eugene, Oregon and Amy Tennery in New York, modifying by Pritha Sarkar

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.