In a thrilling finale that will be remembered for years, American sprinter Noah Lyles clinched the Olympic 100 meters gold medal in Paris on Sunday, edging out Jamaican rival Kishane Thompson by a mere five-thousandths of a second. This marks the United States’ first gold in the event in two decades.
The race was nothing short of electrifying. From the starting gun, Thompson surged ahead with powerful strides, appearing set to secure Jamaica’s fourth men’s 100 meters Olympic title in five Games. However, Lyles displayed incredible determination and speed in the final meters, closing the gap with each stride.
In a photo finish that left spectators and athletes alike holding their breaths, both Lyles and Thompson crossed the finish line in a personal best time of 9.79 seconds. It was only upon the big screen’s display that the result was confirmed: Lyles had won by the narrowest of margins—the width of a vest.
“When I saw the replay, I thought I might have left it too late,” Lyles admitted. “But seeing my name on the screen was an unbelievable moment. This has been a dream come true.”
Thompson, though undoubtedly disappointed, graciously acknowledged the epic nature of the race. “It was a fantastic competition,” he said. “Noah ran a great race, and we’ll meet again on the track.”
Lyles celebrated his victory by tearing his name bib from his shirt and holding it aloft, his fingernails painted red, white, and blue—a nod to his nation’s colors. His triumph adds the coveted Olympic gold to his world championship title, firmly establishing him as the fastest man in the world.
The race not only showcased the intense rivalry between the United States and Jamaica in sprinting but also captivated a global audience, including fans across Asia who have been closely following the build-up to the Paris Games. Lyles’ victory injects new excitement into the sport, setting the stage for future showdowns and inspiring athletes worldwide.
