Zurich, Aug 29 (AP) — In an impressive display at the Diamond League final on Thursday, Noah Lyles showcased his remarkable form ahead of the upcoming athletics world championships. He clinched the 200 meters title, narrowly defeating Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo.
Lyles initially trailed Tebogo at the start but showcased his incredible pace and determination, overcoming the deficit in the latter half of the race. He edged past the Botswana sprinter, winning by mere inches with a time of 19.74 seconds, despite a slight headwind. Tebogo finished just 0.02 seconds behind.
This victory marks Lyles' sixth Diamond League title, establishing a new benchmark for track athletes. "Six, that's a big number," Lyles remarked. "Shoot, that's another record on the list. That's pretty cool, I'm not going to lie." After settling for bronze in the 200 meters at the Paris Olympics, finishing behind Tebogo and fellow American Kenneth Bednarek, Lyles expressed his readiness to defend his world titles in both the 100 and 200 meters in Tokyo next month.
"I know I'm fit, being able to run the whole 200. I've got top end speed," Lyles asserted.
The men's 100 meters also saw a thrilling conclusion, with American Christian Coleman securing a victory in 9.97 seconds, narrowly beating South Africa's Akani Simbine by 0.01 seconds. Jamaica's Ackeem Blake finished another 0.01 seconds behind, landing him in third place.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands' Femke Bol continued to assert her dominance in the women's 400 meters hurdles. She clocked a meet record of 52.18 seconds, sealing her fifth overall Diamond League title. Bol has notched an impressive 30 consecutive Diamond League victories since 2020.
"Another Diamond League season undefeated," Bol reflected. "It's really cool." (AP)
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