American sprinter Noah Lyles triumphed in the men’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing his first Olympic gold with a time of 9.79 seconds. In a thrilling photo finish, Lyles edged out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just five-thousandths of a second, marking one of the closest finishes in Olympic 100m history. This victory also ended Team USA’s 20-year gold medal drought in the event.
Photo Finish and Key Race Moments
Lyles, known for his powerful finishing speed, surged ahead in the last few meters to narrowly outpace Thompson. As both athletes anxiously awaited the result, Lyles expressed surprise when he saw his name at the top of the scoreboard. “I thought I got out-leaned,” Lyles said post-race, acknowledging the tight finish. Despite Thompson’s impressive 9.79 seconds, it was Lyles’ torso that crossed first, as Olympic rules require, granting him the win. U.S. teammate Fred Kerley claimed the bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds.
Highlights of Lyles’ Olympic 100m Victory:
- Final Time: 9.79 seconds, a personal best for Lyles.
- Competitors: Thompson (JAM) took silver; Kerley (USA) won bronze.
- Significance: First American to win Olympic 100m gold since Justin Gatlin in 2004.
Lyles’ gold not only cements his status as the fastest man in the world but also sets the stage for his bid in the 200m, where he hopes to achieve a rare sprint double at the Olympics—a feat last accomplished by an American in 1984.
