Noah Lyles breaks Michael Johnson’s American record in 200 meters to win gold at world championships – Baltimore Sun

EUGENE, Ore. — Noah Lyles led wire to wire and routed the sphere within the 200 meters Thursday in 19.31 seconds, the third-fastest time ever, to steer America’s second dash sweep on the world championships.

Lyles blew away U.S. teammates Kenny Bednarek by 0.46 seconds, with 18-year-old Erriyon Knighton ending third.

The one two quicker occasions are the 19.19 world report run by Usain Bolt in 2009, and a 19.26 two years later by one other Jamaican, Yohan Blake, whereas he was pushing Bolt for supremacy. However the time that was most on Lyles’ thoughts was 19.32. That’s the American report set in 1996 by Michael Johnson and thought for many years to be unbeatable.

When Lyles crossed the end line, he put his finger over his lips — time to shushhh all those that doubted him, a listing that may embody himself. It’s been a tough couple of years throughout which he battled psychological well being points and the pressure of competing in entrance of empty seats.

Then, Lyles put his hand on his hip. Then, he checked the clock. It initially mentioned 19.32, earlier than adjusting down by 0.01. He gave it a dismissive wave.

“I noticed the time pop up and noticed I tied Michael Johnson’s report. I used to be like ‘Actually, you’re going to do me like that?’ Lyles mentioned. “Then, that quantity modified from two to a one and my complete world modified.”

It modified much more after he noticed the names of his American teammates pop up behind his. He slammed his arms on the bottom, ripped off his jersey and grabbed the gold medal from the awaiting presenter.

His victory got here moments after Shericka Jackson gave the Jamaican girls one other gold within the sprints. She ran 21.45, the second-fastest time in historical past, to beat 100-meter champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Solely defending champion Dina Asher-Smith of Britain, who gained bronze, prevented a back-to-back Jamaican sweep.

Whereas the Jamaican medalists have been the identical as 4 nights in the past, the People put a very totally different trio on the stand. Fred Kerley, Marvin Bracy and Trayvon Bromell dominated the 100 meters.