NEW YORK, July 24 (Reuters) – Olympic champion Noah Lyles reinforced his status as the fastest man in the United States by winning the men’s 100 metres in a world-leading 9.79 seconds at the U.S. Championships on Friday, equalling his personal best despite describing the season as an “off year.”
Lyles exploded out of the blocks at Icahn Stadium and was never challenged, crossing the line 0.09 seconds ahead of Ronnie Baker, with Kenny Bednarek finishing third.
The victory matched the personal best Lyles set at the Paris Olympics two years ago and extended his statement of intent ahead of the remainder of the season.
“Just because it is an off year doesn’t mean that I plan to run slow,” Lyles said.
“I’m not even doing what I know I can do. We’re not at peak. We’re not at perfect technique. We’re nowhere near that. So I’m going to keep asking for more. Why settle for less?”
Lyles is also scheduled to contest the 200 metres on Saturday.
With no World Championships or Olympic Games on this year’s calendar, the U.S. Championships have taken on a different role, but fans at Randall’s Island still witnessed several standout performances.
Sha’Carri Richardson dominated the women’s 100 metres, winning the title in 10.77 seconds after posting a wind-assisted 10.78 in the semi-finals.
Kayla White finished second in 10.90, while Tamari Davis claimed third in 11.00.
Seventeen-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus advanced comfortably to Sunday’s 800 metres final, winning his opening heat in 1:45.83.
“We executed our race honestly perfect for the first round,” Lutkenhaus said. “I felt really good at 1:45. Now it feels not so bad, so that’s a really good sign.”
Wes Ferguson recorded the fastest qualifying time overall at 1:45.17.
In the women’s 800 metres, 2022 world under-20 champion Roisin Willis led the qualifiers with a time of 1:59.83, ahead of Meghan Hunter, who clocked 2:00.38.
Aaliyah Butler progressed comfortably through the opening round of the women’s 400 metres in 50.53 seconds, while Olympic relay teammate Alexis Holmes also advanced.
World indoor silver medallist Khaleb McRae posted the fastest men’s 400 metres qualifying time of 44.65, nearly half a second quicker than Chris Bailey.
Olympic champion Quincy Hall failed to qualify for Saturday’s final after finishing in 46.47 seconds in just his sixth race since the Paris Olympics following an injury-hit 2025 season.
The men’s and women’s 400 metres finals will be held on Saturday.
