Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles believes his commanding victory at the 2026 US Track and Field Championships was the finest sprint of his career after producing a world-leading performance in New York.
Lyles stormed to victory in the men’s 100m final on Friday, clocking a world-leading 9.79 seconds into a 0.8m/s headwind to equal his lifetime best. The performance underlined his status as one of the favourites heading into the major international championships later this season.
The American sprint star crossed the line well clear of Ronnie Baker and Kenny Bednarek, who both finished in 9.88 seconds. Baker claimed second place by the narrowest of margins, edging Bednarek by just 0.005 seconds.
Lyles Confident After Impressive Sprint Display
Speaking after the race, Lyles described the performance as the most technically complete race he has ever produced, revealing that his recent training sessions had given him confidence that an even faster time was within reach.
“I think that was technically the best race I’ve had so far.In training last week I ran a hand-timed 9.6, so I knew a 9.7 was coming soon. Seeing it once is nice to see; seeing it twice is a confidence booster. Seeing it three weeks in a row is no inconsistency.”
Noah Lyles
His confidence had already been evident earlier in the day when he produced a blistering 9.76 seconds in the semifinals.
Although that time was faster than his official personal best, it was aided by a 2.1m/s tailwind, just above the legal limit, meaning it could not be recognised as a lifetime best.
Lyles has established himself as one of the greatest sprinters of his generation. In addition to winning Olympic gold in the 100m, he is a four-time world champion in the 200m and has consistently dominated global sprinting with his explosive finishing speed, charismatic personality and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Richardson, Scantling and Echikunwoke Secure National Titles
Elsewhere at the championships, Sha’Carri Richardson reclaimed the women’s 100m national title after equalling her season’s best of 10.77 seconds. The 2023 world champion finished comfortably ahead of Kayla White, who also matched her season’s best with a time of 10.90.
Garrett Scantling emerged victorious in a thrilling decathlon battle, defeating world bronze medallist Kyle Garland 8,526 points to 8,431 after the pair traded the overall lead several times across the two-day competition.
Garland finished the opening day in front after a strong 400m performance, but Scantling responded impressively on day two with outstanding displays in the 110m hurdles, pole vault and javelin before sealing the title with a 4:43.78 run in the 1,500m.
Olympic silver medallist Annette Echikunwoke also secured the women’s hammer throw crown. Her opening-round effort of 75.47m proved enough for victory ahead of Rachel Richeson, while 2019 world champion Deanna Price endured a disappointing competition after recording three fouls.
The US Track and Field Championships continue through Saturday and Sunday as athletes compete for national titles and places on the American team for the upcoming global championships.
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