Fast and furious
Lyles, Jackson capture 200 golds
Today is my day and I finally got to do what I’ve dreamed about for years.
EUGENE (AFP) — Noah Lyles produced a scintillating performance to retain his world 200-meter crown on Thursday as US sprinters claimed their second podium clean sweep of the World Championships in Oregon. Five days after Fred Kerley led a USA 1-2-3 in the 100-meters, Lyles delivered another show-stopping display at Hayward Field, scorching to victory in 19.31 seconds — the fourth fastest time in history. Only Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake have run faster.
The charismatic American star — who struggled to leave a mark at the Olympics last year after being billed as one of the favorites — took gold ahead of Kenny Bednarek in 19.77 seconds, with teenage Erriyon Knighton third in 19.80 seconds.
Lyles let out a roar of jubilation after powering over the finish line, before ripping open his vest in delight.
The 25-year-old from Florida had earned his right to the exuberant celebration after a performance that saw him eclipse Michael Johnson’s long-standing record of 19.32 seconds to become the fastest American 200m runner in history.
“Today is my day and I finally got to do what I’ve dreamed about for years. I’ve got my whole family here,” Lyles said afterwards.
“I was hoping it was going to be a fast time because I thought it was going to be slow.”
The outcome had never been in doubt from the moment Lyles erupted smoothly from the blocks, hitting top speed within 50 meters to open up a comfortable lead coming off the bend.
Bednarek and Knighton tried to stay in touch, but there was no stopping Lyles, who seemed to find an extra gear to pull away and eventually take the tape several meters clear of Bednarek.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson outgunned compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on the back straight to win 200-meter gold.
Jackson set a championship record of 21.45 seconds, the second fastest time ever run over the distance, for a first individual world title at Hayward Field, Eugene.
Newly-crowned 100-meter gold medallist Fraser-Pryce took silver in 21.81 seconds, with defending champion Dina Asher-Smith of Britain claiming bronze (22.02).
All eyes had been on Fraser-Pryce, sporting a long mane of dyed purple hair, in her bid for a second sprint double after having achieved the feat at the 2013 Moscow worlds.
Fast out of the blocks in lane six, Fraser-Pryce rocketed past Niger’s Aminatou Seyni in no time, running a great bend to hit the back stretch neck-and-neck with Jackson, in four.
As the two Jamaicans went head-to-head, Jackson put on the afterburners and pulled away in impressive style, not giving up until she thundered through the line.
Fraser-Pryce swept through on her coattails, with Asher-Smith holding off Seyni for bronze.
Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, the third part of Jamaica’s cleansweep of the 100-meters along with Fraser-Pryce and Jackson, eventually came in seventh in 22.39 seconds.