Noah Lyles advances to 200m semi-finals day after winning 100m gold in Paris

A day after Noah Lyles won Olympic gold in the 100m at Paris, he ran his way into the semi-finals of the 200m. Lyles was smooth and looked relaxed in his heat. Team USA gets all three 200m athletes into the final.

Before Noah Lyles hit the track he watched his teammates Kenny Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton qualify for the semis. Bednarek and Knighton both put up sub-20-second performances. Lyles was the only one to not break 20 seconds after pulling up late as he won his heat.

Lyles is moving on to the next round and will try to put himself in the finals. The double is still very much alive. 20.19 must have felt easy after his 100m final yesterday.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles gets right back to work with an easy win in 200m heats. 😲 #ParisOlympics

📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/S3uA48gWGJ

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 5, 2024

Kenny Bednarek was the top American by time. 19.96 after a strong final 100m. Knighton followed in his own heat with 19.99. There is a real chance that Team USA could sweep the medals with this trio.

Noah Lyles is confident, has already bagged one gold medal, and he has his eyes set on another. This 200m team is too good. Each has their own strengths.

Knighton is amazing in the turn. He runs it better than almost anyone else, and his last 70 meters of the race has improved a ton in the last few years. Lyles is able to hold his speed over the final section of the race to outlast opponents. Bednarek is pure strength start to finish.

Noah Lyles still eligible for double gold

Ever since Usain Bolt retired, there has been a hole in Track & Field. Fans and the sport are dying for a dominant short sprints runner. Someone who strikes fear in the competition and has not only the ability to, but is considered the favorite, to win double gold.

Noah Lyles is trying to take up that mantle. He is well on his way. Picking up championships and gold medals on the world stage is the best way to do it. Right now, Lyles is making the case that he is that guy.

For those who were impressed with Lyles in the 100m, get ready. His 200m performances are must-watch TV. It is his best event, and one where he legitimately could challenge the world record at some point in his career.

Noah Lyles has his gold medal, he wants a second – right now he is well on his way.