A Historic Achievement

In an electrifying showdown, Noah Lyles has matched the legendary Usain Bolt by clinching his fourth consecutive World Championship title in the 200m. Bolt famously dominated this event from 2009 to 2015, and Lyles now stands alongside him in the record books.

A Race to Remember

Returning from a severe ankle injury and a bronze finish in the 100m just a week prior, Lyles showcased his incredible talent by clocking in at 19.52 seconds. He narrowly surpassed fellow American Kenny Bednarek, who finished with a time of 19.58 seconds to claim silver, while Jamaican Bryan Levell took bronze at 19.64 seconds.

Aiming for Greatness

Post-race, Lyles expressed his ambition:
cI wanted to run faster... I was honestly aiming for my American record of 19.31 seconds, but I just didn’t have it today.
d Despite not achieving his personal best, Lyles still proved that he's the fastest man in the world.

Trials and Triumphs

Entering the Worlds as the reigning fastest man at 200m in 2025, Lyles faced significant challenges this season, winning his earlier races by mere fractions. His training in Amsterdam before the championship included tough practices that tested his resolve.
cIt was about believing that past success could carry me through this,
d Lyles reflected.

Fastest Semifinal in History

Reasserting his dominance, Lyles delivered the fastest semifinal time ever recorded at 19.51 seconds. Yet, he acknowledged that this title was far from easy, stating,
cI could have easily gassed myself out... it's a testament to the training we managed to complete despite my injury.
d

Looking Ahead to 2027

Lyles is already setting his sights on the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, where he hopes to break the tie with Bolt.
cSo you’re saying if I get one more, I’ll be the only one to do it? I can’t wait for 2027,
d he exclaimed excitedly.

A Legacy Beyond Titles

Since his fourth-place finish at the 2016 Olympic Trials at just 18 years old, Lyles has faced just three defeats in outdoor 200m races in nearly a decade. However, he emphasized that this World Championship title doesn’t erase the longing for Olympic gold, stating,
cNo amount of wins in the 200m will fill the emptiness I feel for that Olympic gold right now.
d

Close Competitors

Bednarek’s achievement of four silver medals in the event—two at the Olympics and two at the World Championships—demonstrates the fierce competition in sprinting. Meanwhile, Levell narrowly defeated star contender Letsile Tebogo for the bronze, finishing just one-hundredth of a second ahead.

The World Championships continue to showcase athletic brilliance with exciting events underway, making it a thrilling season to watch.