Noah Lyles Wins Olympic 100m Gold in Thrilling Photo Finish

 


Noah Lyles Wins Olympic 100m Gold in Thrilling Photo Finish

In a stunning display of speed and determination, US sprint star Noah Lyles captured the Olympic 100m title by the narrowest of margins, defeating Jamaica's Kishane Thompson in a dramatic photo finish at Paris 2024.

A Race for the Ages

Lyles, known for his showmanship and tenacity, surged in the second half of the race to clock a personal best time of 9.79 seconds. This matched the time of Olympic debutant Thompson, who had led for most of the race, but Lyles' extraordinary finish secured him the gold by five-thousandths of a second.

The intense final saw former world champion Fred Kerley of the United States claim bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds, just edging out South Africa's Akani Simbine. The race was incredibly close, with all eight finalists finishing within 0.12 seconds of Lyles, highlighting the exceptional caliber of competition.

An Electrifying Atmosphere

The Stade de France was electric, with a frenzied atmosphere and dramatic music setting the stage for the highly anticipated final. The tension was palpable as the athletes prepared for what would become one of the most memorable races in Olympic history.

Despite the high standards, notable sprinters such as Italy's reigning champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs and Jamaica's rising star Oblique Seville missed out on the medals, with Seville finishing last in 9.91 seconds.

Lyles' Moment of Glory

After the race, Lyles celebrated exuberantly as the official result confirmed his victory. The 27-year-old, who thrives on the grandest stages, rang the victory bell by the side of the track, marking his triumph. This win sets the stage for his bid for further success in the 200m and relay events, aiming for a potential four golds at these Games.

"You couldn't have asked for a bigger moment," Lyles told BBC Sport. "I had to take every round as it was and I was a little upset after the first round, so I came with the aggression and... I ran 9.83 [in the semi-final]. I hope you guys like Noah because I've got a lot more coming!"



Looking Forward

Lyles' victory not only establishes him at the pinnacle of the sport but also adds to his impressive resume, which includes three golds at last year's World Championships. As he prepares for the 200m and relay events, the world will be watching to see if he can continue his golden streak.

Olympic Men's 100m Final Results:

  • Gold: Noah Lyles (USA) - 9.79 seconds
  • Silver: Kishane Thompson (Jamaica) - 9.79 seconds
  • Bronze: Fred Kerley (USA) - 9.81 seconds

Lyles' triumph in Paris will be remembered as a defining moment in his career and a highlight of the 2024 Olympic Games.