Noah Lyles gets second in a surprising 100m opening heat at ...

3 Aug 2024

USA TODAY

Noah Lyles gets second in a surprising 100m opening heat at

Noah Lyles didn't get off to a good start in his first 100-meter race at the Paris Olympics. The reigning world champ races again Sunday.

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Noah Lyles has sights on gold in Paris to cement his track legacy

After a disappointing performance in 2021, a fire was lit under Noah Lyles to become the fastest man in the world. He just needs to improve by 1%.

SAINT-DENIS, France — Noah Lyles posted on social media just before his Paris Olympic debut in the 100.

"Ight let's get this Popping," he wrote Saturday morning.

Lyles didn't get it “popping” in the opening round. After receiving the loudest ovation of any sprinter in the race, Lyles got a surprising second in his 100 heat with a time of 10.04. Lyles didn't get a good start and had to play catch-up for much of the race.

Louie Hinchliffe of Great Britain won the race in 9.98, Lyles placed second and Shaun Maswanganyi of South African finished third (10.06).

The top three in each heat, plus the next three fastest times advance to the semifinals on Sunday.

Lyles admitted following the race that he underestimated the competition in the first round.

“I guess that’s my first lesson in underestimating the power of the Olympics. When somebody is on the line, they say they are gonna give it their all or nothing,” Lyles said. “Now I don’t have to hold back. Now that I know everybody is ready to go. It’s like oh ok, if you guys are gonna blow your loads, you know I’m ready to go.”

Lyles is trying to become the first American man to win an Olympic gold medal in the 100 since Justin Gatlin topped the podium at the 2004 Athens Games.

The U.S. sprinter is an Olympic gold-medal contender in both the 100 and 200. Carl Lewis is the last U.S. sprinter to win the Olympic sprint double. Lewis won both events at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lyles is the defending world champion in the 100 and 200. He is coming off victories in both events at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials.

Americans Kenny Bednarek, Fred Kerley open strong

Bednarek and Kerley tied for the fastest time in the opening round.

Bednarek ran a 9.97 to win the seventh heat of the 100. Kerley posted an identical 9.97 to win the eighth and final heat of the 100.

"I'm trying to be the fastest man in the world," Bednarek, who is running the 100 and 200 at the Paris Olympics said. "I just want to compete and win every single gold medal. My mindset is locking in and having that killer mentality."