- Lyles secured his spot on the US Olympic team
- This victory marks a significant comeback
- Lyles looks poised for a strong showing
World champion Noah Lyles secured his spot on the US Olympic team in dominant fashion, winning the 100m final at the US Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
This victory marks a significant comeback for Lyles, who narrowly missed qualifying for the 100m in Tokyo 2020.
Lyles blazed to a time of 9.83 seconds, tying his personal best. Joining him on the podium and also qualifying for Paris are Kenny Bednarek (second – 9.87 seconds) and Fred Kerley (third – 9.88 seconds), the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist.
“Three years ago I was near the bottom,” Lyles reflected, referencing his performance at the 2021 trials. “This year, I came back and won it. My plan never changed. It might surprise others, but when you know your goal, you know your goal.”
Lyles’ sole Olympic medal thus far is a bronze in the 200m from Tokyo. He credits that experience with fueling his drive for redemption.
“Without that third place in Tokyo, I wouldn’t have had the fire burning,” he acknowledged. “Looking ahead, we stay focused because anything can happen.”
While Lyles reigned supreme, some notable names missed out. Former world champion Christian Coleman finished fourth, falling short of qualifying for the 100m.
In other events, Sam Kendricks soared to a new meet record of 5.92m in the pole vault, and 16-year-old prodigy Quincy Wilson shattered the under-18 world record in the 400m semi-final with a time of 44.59 seconds.
The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26th to August 11th, with the men’s 100m final scheduled for August 4th.
Lyles looks poised for a strong showing as he aims to add Olympic gold to his collection.
