Noah Lyles delivered a stunning performance at the US trials in Oregon, clinching the 200m title with a world-leading time of 19.63 seconds. The victory at Eugene’s Hayward Field was marked by a dramatic finish, as Lyles overtook Kenny Bednarek just before the line, leading to a tense exchange between the two sprinters.
The final day of the trials saw Lyles, the reigning 100m and 200m world champion, turn his head to stare down Bednarek as he crossed the finish line. This act drew an immediate and angry response from Bednarek, who shoved Lyles as they slowed down post-race. Despite the altercation, Lyles remained composed, choosing not to comment on the incident. “Under coach’s orders, no comment,” he stated.
Bednarek, a double Olympic 200m silver medallist, was more vocal about the confrontation. “What he said doesn’t matter, it’s just what he did,” Bednarek remarked, criticizing Lyles’ actions as unsportsmanlike. Bednarek finished second with a season’s best of 19.67 seconds.
Women’s Sprint Highlights and Olympic Prospects
On the women’s side, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden showcased her prowess by completing a sprint double, winning the 200m in 21.84 seconds. Anavia Battle secured second place with a time of 22.12 seconds. Meanwhile, Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas narrowly made it to the Tokyo squad, finishing third in a photo finish with Brittany Brown.
Jefferson-Wooden expressed confidence in her performance, stating, “As long as I’m executing my race the way I know I can, then the times are going to continue to come. And 21.84 I’ll take.” Her focus now shifts to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, where she aims to continue her winning streak.
In contrast, Sha’Carri Richardson, who faced personal challenges following a recent arrest, will only compete in the 100m at the World Championships. Her partner, Christian Coleman, also failed to qualify for the 200m but will participate in the US relay pool.
Other Notable Performances
Elsewhere at the trials, Olympic 400m hurdles champion Rai Benjamin secured his spot in Tokyo with a comfortable victory, clocking 46.89 seconds. In the women’s 400m hurdles, Dalilah Muhammad, the 2016 Olympic champion, triumphed with a time of 52.65 seconds, setting the stage for an emotional farewell in Japan as she plans to retire after the season.
In a remarkable comeback, former world champion Donavan Brazier won the 800m in a personal best of 1:42.16. Brazier, who had been sidelined by injuries, expressed his relief and joy at returning to form. “The past few years have been really rough for me,” he said. “To finally have a chance at redemption, and just showcase resiliency – I was really happy to do it today. It was just pure grit.”
Donavan Brazier’s winning time of 1:42.16 was closely followed by 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus, who set a new under-18 world record with 1:42.27.
In the women’s 800m, Roisin Willis claimed victory with a time of 1:59.26, marking her first major championship qualification. The men’s 110m hurdles saw Ja’Kobe Tharp take the title in 13.01 seconds, with Olympic champion Grant Holloway opting out of the final.
Looking Ahead to Tokyo
The US trials have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting Olympic Games in Tokyo. With standout performances from both seasoned athletes and rising stars, the competition will be fierce. As athletes like Lyles and Jefferson-Wooden prepare to represent the United States, the focus now shifts to their final preparations and the challenges that lie ahead on the global stage.
As the countdown to Tokyo continues, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how these athletes will perform under the Olympic spotlight. The trials have provided a glimpse of the talent and determination that will be on display, promising thrilling races and memorable moments in the weeks to come.
