Noah Lyles Wins U.S. Men’s 100-Meter Olympic Gold in 20 Years

American sprinter Noah Lyles clinched gold in the men’s 100-meter sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The race was one of the closest in Olympic history, with Lyles finishing just 0.005 seconds ahead of Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. Lyles’ time of 9.784 seconds narrowly beat Thompson’s 9.789 seconds. Team USA’s Fred Kerley secured bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds.

First U.S. Gold Since 2004

Lyles’ victory marks the first time an American has won the 100-meter gold since Justin Gatlin in Athens 2004. This race also saw a historic number of seven men finishing under 9.90 seconds, shattering the 10-second barrier.

Dramatic Finish and Celebration

Despite a slow start, Lyles surged in the final stretch, overtaking competitors and crossing the finish line in a dramatic photo finish. The excitement was amplified by a raucous crowd at Stade de France. Post-race, Lyles celebrated with his signature “Kamehameha” pose and expressed disbelief at his win.

Lyles’ Olympic Journey

Previously, Lyles won bronze in the 200-meter at Tokyo 2020 and is now seeking further success in the 200-meter and 4×100-meter relay at Paris. His triumph in the 100-meter sprint adds to his accolades from the 2023 World Athletics Championships where he won gold in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay.

Looking Ahead

Lyles aims to replicate the sprint treble achieved by Usain Bolt in Rio 2016 and Carl Lewis in Los Angeles 1984. With his strong performance in Paris, he remains a dominant figure in sprinting, looking to build on his success in upcoming events.