BUDAPEST : Olympic 100 metres champion Noah Lyles has ended his 2026 season because of injury, ruling himself out of next week’s World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
The eight-time world champion announced the decision in an Instagram video on Friday, saying he and his coach had agreed to end his campaign after a minor strain developed into further physical problems that disrupted his training.
“Me and my coach have decided that we’re going to end my 2026 season due to injury,” Lyles said.
The American initially expected to recover after suffering the strain earlier in the season, saying his rehabilitation had been progressing well. However, he said the injury caused other issues to flare up and made it difficult for him to continue training.
Lyles raised concerns at the U.S. championships in July when he pulled up during the men’s 200 metres final. He had won the 100m title at the championships in a world-leading 9.79 seconds, matching his personal best.
The 29-year-old was initially confident he would recover in time for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships, but his latest setback has forced him to bring his season to an early close.
Lyles’ absence will be a major blow to the new Budapest event, where he had been expected to feature among the leading American contenders.
