‘ENERGISED’ LYLE CREATES HAPPIER TOKYO MEMORIES AFTER HEARTBREAK
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
There is considerably more to Noah Lyles than merely his theatricality, showboating, and vibrant orange hair. The tenacious American successfully outperformed an exceptional lineup in the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Friday, claiming his fourth consecutive world title in this event. This achievement stands in sharp contrast to his Olympic outcomes in the same discipline—winning bronze in Tokyo in 2021 and repeating that position last year in Paris amid challenges posed by Covid. However, back in the Japanese capital, Lyles exorcised the painful recollections previously associated with Tokyo, equaling Usain Bolt’s record for titles.
“I eagerly anticipate 2027 to become the only individual to secure five 200 meters titles,” Lyles expressed. “I do not possess favorable recollections from Tokyo in 2021. At that time, I battled depression, but now I am invigorated. I am passionate about my craft, and I am content. My image is prominently displayed throughout Tokyo. This is a jubilant occasion that I will cherish forever.
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Lyles, who was dethroned as world 100m champion the previous Sunday, earning a bronze medal, clinched gold in his preferred event five days later, marking his eighth global title.
He delivered a remarkable performance in Thursday’s semi-finals, achieving the fastest time of 2025 in 19.51 seconds. Following a final where he was just 0.01 seconds slower, he celebrated by raising four fingers to the audience. Two years prior at the World Championships, Lyles established himself as the preeminent male sprinter on the sport’s grandest stages, securing three gold medals in Budapest before winning the Olympic 100m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Before the championships, Lyles confided to reporters that he would accept a bronze in the 100m if it paved the way for him to capture the 200m gold by surpassing Bolt’s world-record time. He achieved the gold, yet Bolt’s record remains an elusive target for the moment. Lyles’ American teammate, Kenny Bednarek, had to settle for silver—marking his fourth consecutive second-place finish across the past four Olympic and world championships. Bednarek and Lyles share a tempestuous rapport, nearly coming to blows at the US trials when Lyles confronted his rival en route to the 200m title, resulting in Bednarek’s aggressive response. The bronze medal was awarded to 21-year-old Jamaican Bryan Levell, while Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo finished fourth. Britain’s Zharnel Hughes recorded a season-best time of 19.78 for fifth place.
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