🔥 Sprint sensation Noah Lyles set the track on fire at the London Diamond League, clocking a blazing 9.81 seconds in the men's 100m! This isn't just a personal best for the American star—it's a statement to the world ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 🏅
Under the iconic London skies, the final Diamond League meet before the big show in Paris was nothing short of electrifying. The men's 100m was the grand finale, and boy, did it deliver! Each of the top five sprinters broke the magical 10-second barrier—talk about fast and furious! 🏃♂️💨
Trailing Lyles were South Africa's Akani Simbine (9.86s) and Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (9.88s), pushing the limits alongside the American speedster, who smashed his previous best of 9.83 seconds from the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last August.
\"That was fun,\" Lyles grinned after his lightning run. \"I could have had a better start, but the transitions were great and coming away with a PB, this has been what I prayed for and what I wanted.\" 🙌
With this jaw-dropping performance, Lyles now ranks third in the world this year, just behind Jamaica's Kishane Thompson (9.77s) and Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala (9.79s). Not too shabby, eh? 😉
Back at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, Lyles snagged a bronze in the 200m. But in Paris, he's got his eyes on the ultimate prize. \"I'm going to win,\" he declared confidently. \"That's what I always do.\" 🥇
It wasn't just Lyles lighting up the track! 🇺🇸 Gabby Thomas stormed to victory in the women's 200m, clocking 21.82 seconds—just 0.04 seconds ahead of St. Lucia's Julien Alfred. Meanwhile, the UK's own Keely Hodgkinson thrilled the home crowd, taking gold in the women's 800m with a sizzling 1:54.61. She shared the podium with fellow Brits Jemma Reekie and Georgia Bell—girl power all the way! 🇬🇧💪
And just like that, the stage is set for Paris 2024. If London was any indication, we're in for some epic showdowns. Get your popcorn ready! 🍿
Reference(s):
Noah Lyles sets 100m best at 9.81 seconds in run-up to 2024 Olympics
cgtn.com
