Paris, August 05, 2024, The Europe Today: Noah Lyles of the United States clinched the gold medal in the Olympic 100m final on Sunday, marking a historic moment at the Paris Olympics. Lyles’ victory, achieved with a personal best time of 9.79 seconds, is the first American win in this event since Justin Gatlin’s triumph at the 2004 Athens Games.
A Photo-Finish Victory
Lyles’ win came in a nail-biting finish, beating Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by a mere five-thousandths of a second. Fellow American Fred Kerley secured the bronze, completing the race in 9.81 seconds. The race was so close that it required a photo-finish to determine the medalists, making it the closest Olympic 100m finish in modern history.
Historical Significance
Lyles’ performance not only secured him a gold medal but also set a new personal record. “It’s the one I wanted, it’s the hard battle, it’s the amazing opponents,” Lyles said, reflecting on his achievement.
The defending champion, Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy, despite being heavily strapped due to injury, finished fifth with a time of 9.85 seconds. The high-caliber race saw all eight finalists finishing within 0.12 of a second, with the eighth-placed Oblique Seville of Jamaica clocking 9.91 seconds.
Record-Breaking Race
The final was unprecedented, as it was the first time eight men broke the 10-second barrier in a wind-legal 100 meters race. Akani Simbine of South Africa finished fourth, setting a new national record of 9.82 seconds.
“Everybody came prepared for the fight and I wanted to prove that I’m the man among all of them, I’m the wolf among wolves,” Lyles said, emphasizing the competitive spirit of the race.
Medal Summary
- Gold: Noah Lyles (USA) – 9.79 seconds
- Silver: Kishane Thompson (Jamaica) – 9.79 seconds
- Bronze: Fred Kerley (USA) – 9.81 seconds
Noah Lyles’ victory at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his dedication and skill, adding a significant chapter to the history of Olympic sprinting. His performance, along with those of his competitors, made the 100m final an unforgettable event, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic excellence.
