American Sprinter Noah Lyles Aims for Historic Sprint Double

American sprinter Noah Lyles has the chance to replicate Usain Bolt’s historic Olympic sprint double after qualifying for the 200m final at Paris 2024. Lyles, who won the 100m gold in a dramatic photo finish by just five-thousandths of a second against Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson will compete in the 200m final on Thursday at 19:30 BST. He clocked 20.08 seconds to finish second in his semi-final behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who set the fastest time of the round with 19.96 seconds.

Kenneth Bednarek of the U.S. also posted a faster time than Lyles, while Erriyon Knighton, who won world 200m silver last year, advanced as well. Canada’s Andre de Grasse, the defending champion, missed the final, finishing third in his race with 20.41 seconds. Lyles, who won three gold medals at last year’s World Championships is the first American to secure an Olympic 100m title since Justin Gatlin in 2004.

He is a three-time reigning world 200m champion and the favorite for the 200m final. Bolt is the only sprinter to complete individual sprint doubles at three consecutive Olympics, and Lyles aims to match his feat. In other events, Great Britain’s Amber Anning reached the women’s 400m final with a personal best of 49.47 seconds, finishing second in her semi-final.

However, teammates Laviai Nielsen and Victoria Ohuruogu did not advance. Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke also qualified for the 400m final, scheduled for Friday at 19:00 BST. Team GB’s Alastair Chalmers did not advance in the men’s 400m hurdles due to a fall, while Norway’s Karsten Warholm qualified fastest in 47.67 seconds. American Grant Holloway recorded the fastest time in the men’s 110m hurdles with 12.98 seconds.