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Noah Lyles secured the United States’ first Olympic 100-meter title in two decades, winning by a mere five-thousandths of a second in the tightest final in the event’s history on Sunday.
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The dramatic finish saw Lyles edge out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, both clocking 9.79 seconds. The American’s victory was confirmed only after officials reviewed the photo finish, determining Lyles had won by the narrowest of margins.
“I didn’t think I won,” Lyles admitted post-race. “I even told Kishane, ‘I think you got that one.’ But then my name appeared, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m amazing.'”
This victory adds Olympic gold to Lyles’ world championship title, fulfilling his promise to become the world’s fastest man. Immediately after crossing the finish line, he tore off his name bib and held it high, his red, white, and blue fingernails on full display.
The race was historic, marking the first time all eight finalists broke the 10-second barrier in a wind-legal 100-meter event. American Fred Kerley claimed bronze with 9.81 seconds, while South Africa’s Akani Simbini finished fourth in 9.83, setting a new national record.
Defending champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy, visibly strapped, placed fifth with 9.85 seconds. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo set a national record of 9.86 in sixth place.
Thompson, who entered the competition as the year’s fastest man with a 9.77-second run, expressed mixed emotions about his silver medal finish. “I’m a bit disappointed, but I’m happy at the same time,” he said. “I wasn’t patient enough with myself to let my speed carry me to the line in the position I know I could have reached.”
Lyles, 27, now sets his sights on potentially winning four gold medals in Paris, targeting the 200m, 4x100m relay, and possibly the 4x400m relay in addition to his 100m triumph.
The American sprinter’s victory marks a significant milestone, ending a 20-year drought for the U.S. in the marquee event of the Olympic track and field program.
