Noah Lyles looking to complete Olympics double but Tebogo, Bednarek & Co stand in his way

Noah Lyles was defeated in his first race at Paris 2024 Olympics

Noah Lyles looking to complete Olympics double but Tebogo, Bednarek & Co stand in his way

Joel Omotto 06:59 - 08.08.2024

American Noah Lyles will be aiming to add the 200m Olympics crown to his collection but faces formidable opposition from Kenny Bednarek, Letsile Tebogo and Erriyon Knighton.

American Noah Lyles will seek to etch his name in history as he goes for Olympics glory in the men’s 200m final on Thursday night.

Lyles was crowned the 100m champion at the Paris Olympics last weekend and he has a chance to add the 200m title to his glittering collection.

The 200m is seen as Lyles’ specialty and he goes into the race as a three-time world champion over the distance.

The American won Olympics bronze at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games and is looking to improve it to gold in the 2024 Games.

Lyles has the fastest time in the world this year, having run 19.53, but faces strong opposition in American compatriot Kenny Bednarek, who has the second fastest time at 19.59, as well as Botswanan Letsile Tebogo.

Tebogo already laid the marker in the semi-final when he floored Lyles to win his heat while Bednarek has been hot to handle in the 200m this year.

There is also American Erriyon Knighton, ranked third in the world, with a personal best of 19.77, who should give the rest a run for their money.

The race, therefore, promises to be a tough one for Lyles as he will have to be at his best to claim a second gold medal in Paris or risk an upset from his rivals.