Noah Lyles qualified for the Paris Olympics by winning the 100-meter final in the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, in 9.83 seconds. On June 23, he finished ahead of Tokyo silver medalists Fred Kerley (9.88) and Kenny Bednarek (9.87), having pushed ahead at the halfway point.
In preparation for the Olympics, Kerley declared, “We’re ready to go put on a show.” The Olympic gold medalist Bednarek stated, “I just stayed calm, collected, and executed my race.”
After taking the lead at first, Christian Coleman dropped to fourth in 9.93 seconds. With his sights set on four gold medals in Paris, Lyles took stock of his development and said, “Three years ago, I got second to last.” I came and won it this year.
Lyles is motivated by disappointments from past competitions and Tokyo: “I wouldn’t have had that desire if I hadn’t finished third in Tokyo.” Next up for him is the 200-metre event, where heats begin on June 27.
Kendall Ellis won the women’s 400-metre race at Hayward Field on the third day of competition in 49.46 seconds. She was partnered on Team USA by Aaliyah Butler (49.71) and Alexis Holmes (49.78).
