American sprinter Noah Lyles clinched the Olympic men’s 100m title by the narrowest of margins in a dramatic photo finish at Paris 2024.
Lyles and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson both clocked personal bests of 9.79 seconds, but Lyles’s impressive second-half surge secured him victory by a mere five-thousandths of a second.
The race at Stade de France was a spectacle of speed and precision, with all eight finalists finishing within 0.12 seconds of Lyles. Thompson, who led for much of the race, was narrowly edged out in a thrilling conclusion.
Former world champion Fred Kerley from the United States claimed bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds, narrowly defeating South Africa’s Akani Simbine.
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The final showcased a high standard of competition, with Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes and Louie Hinchliffe missing out on the medals. Italy’s reigning champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs was also outpaced, while Jamaican rising star Oblique Seville finished in 9.91 seconds.
World Athletics
Lyles, who is known for his showmanship and success on the grand stage, celebrated his victory by ringing the victory bell at the side of the track.
The 27-year-old, who won three golds at last year’s World Championships, will now focus on the 200m and relay events as he aims for further success at these Games.
