Noah Lyles dominated the 200-meter race at the World Athletics Championships, securing his fourth world title in a thrilling finish. He edged out Kenny Bednarek, who initially led the race, with a winning time of 19.52 seconds – a mere 0.06 seconds ahead of his competitor. Instead of the contentious finish seen at the US Nationals, Lyles celebrated his victory by raising four fingers to the camera, a nod to his impressive four championship wins. This victory places Lyles alongside sprinting legend Usain Bolt in the record books.
Meanwhile, in the women's competition, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden etched her name into history. She achieved a remarkable 100m-200m double, the first woman to accomplish this feat at the World Championships since Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Jefferson-Wooden crossed the finish line in 21.68 seconds, leaving Amy Hunt of Great Britain in second place by a significant margin. Hunt's silver medal was a surprising and emotional win, resulting in tears of joy from the British athlete. Shericka Jackson of Jamaica earned the bronze medal.
The men's 200m race wasn't without its drama. A false start by Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas necessitated a restart, adding another layer of intensity to the competition. Bryan Levell of Jamaica secured third place, while Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo finished fourth.
Lyles' victory was particularly significant given his journey. Overcoming the challenges of a COVID-19 lockdown in 2021 and a subsequent bout of the virus during the Paris Olympics, Lyles demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. His recent win builds on the momentum gained from his earlier triumph at the US Nationals, which featured a memorable confrontation with Bednarek. This win marked a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, adding another remarkable chapter to his already impressive career.
The United States had a stellar day overall, with Rai Benjamin securing gold in the 400-meter hurdles. Their total medal count now stands at 10 golds and 16 overall medals with two days remaining in the competition.
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Originally published at: https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/46312399/noah-lyles-tops-200-jefferson-wooden-gets-historic-sweep
