American Trials Conclude with Lyles Making a Strong Statement
The penultimate day of the American Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, further solidified Noah Lyles’ position as a contender for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and extinguished Sha’Carri Richardson’s chances of competing with top athletes in the swimming and gymnastics events.
In the 200 meters, Lyles clocked a time of 22.12 seconds, finishing fourth and missing the opportunity to double up at the distance, which he will run in the 4×100 relay. He was outpaced by Gabrielle Thomas, who set a new 2024 record with a time of 21.81 seconds, followed by Brittany Brown (21.90 seconds) and McKenzie Long (21.91 seconds). Long’s touching story has also gained attention, as she lost her mother last winter at the age of 45. Long has since talked about her grief and how it has affected her training, revealing that she always speaks to her mother’s memory before her races.
Lyles has set his sights on Usain Bolt’s records and has said that beating his records in Paris is a challenge he is excited to take on. His time of 19.53 seconds in the 200 meters was the best in the Trials’ history and the 17th fastest time in the event’s history.
The 100 meters, which has been won by Ronnie Baker, is the current American speed benchmark, with Kenneth Bednarek and Lyles vying for the top spot. Erriyon Knighton, who qualified for the Games three years ago at the age of 17, clocked a time of 19.77 seconds.
Christian Coleman, another athlete who has been involved in controversies, finished disappointingly, and will now focus on the 4×100 relay. Tara Davis, Weini Kelaiti, and Andrew Evans were among the champions crowned on the final day of the American Trials.