Noah Lyles produced a dominating performance to retain his 200 metres title in 19.31 seconds at the World Championships on Thursday, becoming the third-fastest athlete of all time over the distance and leading a second American sprint podium sweep.
Tokyo bronze medallist Lyles led at the halfway point and exploded through the finish, with compatriots Kenny Bednarek (19.77) and 18-year-old Erriyon Knighton (19.80) battling out of the turn and down the straight for silver and bronze.
Lyles has not been satisfied with how quickly he has been getting out of the blocks in some of his races but said the first few metres on Thursday was “the start of my life”.
“I was telling (Knighton) and Kenny, I was like, ‘I was glad y’all was behind me because y’all put the fear of God into my start,'” said Lyles.
He knew he had a clear path to the top of the podium when he did not feel Knighton behind him off the turn.
Lyles’ time was initially displayed as 19.32, which would have tied Johnson’s record. However, it was then updated to an official 19.31 when his back was turned, with the 25-year-old clearly stunned when he noticed the new figure on the clock.
Johnson later approached him to congratulate him on breaking the mark.
He was so wrapped up in the moment that Lyles later told reporters he was initially unaware of his margin of victory – or even which medals his team mates got.
