Noah Lyles Ends 20-Year Drought for Team USA in Thrilling 100m Final

In a race that will be etched in the annals of athletic history, Noah Lyles clinched the gold in the men’s 100m final on Sunday, delivering a performance that ended a two-decade wait for Team USA. With a blistering time of 9.79 seconds, Lyles not only secured his place atop the podium but also shattered Jamaica's long standing dominance in the event.

The final, held under the watchful eyes of a global audience, was nothing short of breathtaking. Lyles, renowned for his sprinting prowess, had to summon every ounce of his strength and determination in what turned out to be the race of his life. Lyles edged out Jamaica's Kishane Thompson by a mere five thousandths of a second in an immaculate photo finish. Thompson finished with a time of 9.79 seconds as well, clocking in at .789 compared to Lyles' .784.

Adding to the drama, Lyles tied for the slowest reaction time in the field at 0.178 seconds, yet still managed to

cross the finish line first. Here are the reaction times for all finalists:

• Fred Kerley (USA) - 0.108

• Marcell Jacobs (Italy) - 0.114

• Akani Simbine (South Africa) - 0.149

• Kenny Bednarek (USA) - 0.163

• Oblique Seville (Jamaica) - 0.171

• Kishane Thompson (Jamaica) - 0.176

• Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) - 0.178

• Noah Lyles (USA) - 0.178

The podium was a testament to the incredible talent on display. Joining Lyles and Thompson, Fred Kerley of the USA secured the bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds. The fourth place went to Akani Simbine of South Africa, who finished in 9.82 seconds, followed by Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy at 9.85 seconds. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo clocked in at 9.86 seconds, Kenneth Bednarek of the USA at 9.88 seconds, and Oblique Seville of Jamaica rounded out the top eight with a time of 9.91 seconds. The margin of 0.12 seconds between first and eighth place marks the smallest gap ever in a global men's 100m final, underscoring the extraordinary level of competition.

Lyles' victory is not only a personal triumph but also a historic moment for American sprinting. It breaks a 20-year drought in the men’s 100-meter final, a period dominated by Jamaican sprinters. The last American to win the event was Justin Gatlin in 2004.

This win sets the stage for what could be a new era in sprinting, with Lyles leading the charge for Team USA. His remarkable performance will be remembered for years to come, inspiring a new generation of sprinters to chase their dreams with the same determination and spirit.