Noah Lyles chased down his rivals to win the 100m final at the U.S. Olympic trials in 9.83 seconds in Eugene, Oregon on Sunday to book a spot at the Paris Games.
The world champion hit the accelerator at the midway point to burst through the field and cross the line ahead of Kenny Bednarek (9.87) and Tokyo silver medallist Fred Kerley (9.88).
Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion, had the early lead but ran out of steam and finished fourth in 9.93.
Lyles, who won the sprint double at the world championships in Budapest last year, is aiming for four gold medals – two individual and two relay – at the Paris Games.
“Part of the plan”, Lyles said. “Might be a shock to everyone else but when you know the goal, you know the goal”.
Lyles finished next to last in the 100m final at the trials three years ago in Eugene, and after winning the 200m he could do no better than bronze in the event at the Tokyo Olympics.
Those disappointments still drive him, he said.
“If I didn’t get that third place in Tokyo I wouldn’t have had that desire, I wouldn’t have had that fire burning”, he said.
“I wouldn’t have accomplished what I’ve accomplished in the past and now we constantly look to the future with open eyes because anything can happen”.
Lyles will next compete in his signature event, the 200m, with the opening heats set to begin on Thursday.
