‘Incredible’: US sprint star makes breaks 26-year record, edges closer to Bolt

Noah Lyles retained his world 200m crown on Friday, breaking the US record, and edging ever closer to Usain Bolt’s world record.

EUGENE, OREGON - JULY 21: Noah Lyles of Team United States celebrates winning gold in the Men's 200m Final on day seven of the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 at Hayward Field on July 21, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Noah Lyles produced a scintillating performance to retain his world 200m crown on Friday (AEST) as US sprinters claimed their second podium clean sweep of the World Championships in Oregon.

Five days after Fred Kerley led a USA 1-2-3 in the 100m, Lyles delivered another showstopping display at Hayward Field, scorching to victory in 19.31sec — the fourth fastest time in history. Only Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake have run faster.

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The charismatic American star — who struggled to leave a mark at the Olympics last year after being billed as one of the favourites — took gold ahead of Kenny Bednarek in 19.77sec, with teenage Erriyon Knighton third in 19.80sec.

Lyles let out a roar of jubilation after powering over the finish line, before ripping open his vest in delight.

The 25-year-old from Florida had earned his right to the exuberant celebration after a performance that saw him eclipse Michael Johnson’s longstanding record of 19.32secs, set at the 1996 Olympics, to become the fastest American 200m runner in history.

“Today is my day and I finally got to do what I’ve dreamed about for years. I’ve got my whole family here,” Lyles said afterwards.

USA's Noah Lyles reacts after winning the men's 200m final during the World Athletics Championships. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)

“I was hoping it was going to be a fast time because I thought it was going to be slow.”

The outcome had never been in doubt from the moment Lyles erupted smoothly from the blocks, hitting top speed within 50 metres to open up a comfortable lead coming off the bend.

Bednarek and Knighton tried to stay in touch, but there was no stopping Lyles, who seemed to find an extra gear to pull away and eventually take the tape several metres clear of Bednarek.

The sporting world couldn’t believe its eyes as Lyles made history.

Noah Lyles just broke @MJGold ‘s American record after going full Super Saiyan Blue on the 200m at World Championships in a BLISTERING 19.31. He ran the BEST CURVE OF HIS LIFE and made everyone else look like they were running in slow motion. His speed was indeed SUPERIOR. pic.twitter.com/EWW8jyI5l5

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 22, 2022

In track and field, Noah Lyles is on LeBron, Steph, Giannis, and KD’s level of dominance!! @LylesNoah

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 22, 2022

Reminder that the U.S. record Noah Lyles just broke stood for almost 26 years -- before Lyles was born.

Michael Johnson set it at the 1996 Atlanta Games, wearing golden spikes. Lyles was born in 1997.

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) July 22, 2022

Noah Lyles 💨 19.31 200-just beat Michael Johnson’s American record!
Just incredible!!

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) July 22, 2022

Noah Lyles set that turn on fire🔥best turn I’ve ever seen him run.
American record 19.31 in the 200.
Epic run

— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) July 22, 2022

HOLY SHIT NOAH LYLES!!!

— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) July 22, 2022

Noah Lyles is a bad man 🙌🏽

— Bryce Hoppel (@BryceHoppel) July 22, 2022

Noah Lyles gahleeeee😬

— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) July 22, 2022

NOAH LYLES CERTIFIED!!!

— Parris Campbell (@PCampbell21) July 22, 2022

Originally published as ‘Incredible’: US sprint star makes breaks 26-year record, edges closer to Bolt