In a thrilling display of speed and determination, Noah Lyles of the USA set a new personal best in the men’s 100-meter race at the World Athletics Diamond League event in London on Saturday. Clocking in at an impressive 9.81 seconds, Lyles showcased his peak form as he gears up for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
The event, held in the United Kingdom’s capital, marked the final Diamond League competition before the upcoming Olympics. The men’s 100-meter race was the highlight of the day, featuring fierce competition with each of the top five sprinters breaking the elusive 10-second barrier.
Lyles outpaced formidable contenders, including Akani Simbine of South Africa who finished in 9.86 seconds, and Letsile Tebogo of Botswana at 9.88 seconds. Remarkably, Lyles surpassed his previous personal best of 9.83 seconds, set at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in August 2023.
“That was fun,” Lyles expressed with enthusiasm after the race. “I could have had a better start, but the transitions were great and coming away with a PB, this has been what I prayed for and what I wanted.”
With his new record, Lyles now ranks third in the world this year, trailing only Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson’s 9.77 seconds and Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala’s 9.79 seconds. Reflecting on his bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter final at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics three years ago, Lyles is aiming higher in Paris. “I’m going to win,” he declared confidently. “That’s what I always do.”
The day’s events also saw remarkable performances from other athletes. Gabby Thomas, also from the USA, clinched the women’s 200-meter title, clocking 21.82 seconds. She narrowly edged out Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, who finished second at 21.86 seconds.
In the women’s 800-meter race, Keely Hodgkinson of the United Kingdom secured the gold medal with an impressive time of 1:54.61. She was joined on the podium by fellow Britons Jemma Reekie, who finished in 1:55.61, and Georgia Bell at 1:56.28. Notably, Hodgkinson and Reekie are the only athletes this year to have run the event under 1:56.
As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics intensifies, these outstanding performances signal a thrilling and highly competitive season ahead for athletics enthusiasts worldwide.
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Noah Lyles sets 100m best at 9.81 seconds in run-up to 2024 Olympics
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