American Noah Lyles wins the greatest Olympic 100-metre sprint final in history

© Copyright – 2024 – Athletics Illustrated

American Noah Lyles won the 2024 Paris Olympic Games 100-metre final in what was one of the if not the greatest 100-metre global championships in history.

So close, a photo finish and a difference within the 1000s of a second were analyzed post-race to decide between Kishane Thompson of Jamaica and Lyles. Lyles and Thompson both finished in 9.79 seconds. The difference was .784 and .789.

I Told You America I Got This! #OlympicChampion pic.twitter.com/boBOZv3650

— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 4, 2024

Taking third was American Fred Kerley who was a surprise finalist. He clocked 9.81 seconds for a season-best performance.

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville who beat Lyles twice in the rounds, finished dead last in 9.91 seconds. Defending Olympic champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs finished fifth in the time of 9.85. He was seen leaving the venue with a wrap around his upper leg. Likely he has not healed from the injury that was referenced in the Netflix series Sprint.

Akani Simbine of South Africa set a new national record at 9.82, as did Letsile Tebogo of Botswana in 9.86. All eight finishers clocked sub-10 seconds.

There was a prolonged delay to start the race, while the athletes were waiting in the blocks. Off the line Jacobs had the best start, otherwise, it was a blanket first few steps and until after 70 metres there was almost no gap between all eight competitors.

Lyles promised a win, but even he wasn’t sure until the decision was made. Lyles has a goal of four gold medals in Paris. He has three to go.

He had an emotional lap celebrating around the 400, track including a stop to hug his mother among other people.

Results