SAINT-DENIS, France — Noah Lyles has a chance at history when he steps on the track Thursday.
He could become the first American to win the Olympic sprint double in 40 years if he wins gold in the men’s 200. Lyles already won gold in the 100 in a dramatic photo finish. Can he pull off the sprint double in Paris?
Lyles ran a 20.08 to place second behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who finished at 19.96 to win the semifinal. Lyles has the third best time entering Thursday’s final behind Tebogo and fellow American Kenny Bednarek (20.00).
USA TODAY Sports has everything you need to know ahead of Thursday’s 200 final at Stade de France. Follow along below for live updates throughout the day.
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How to watch Olympic track and field today
NBC is airing and streaming the Paris Olympics from all angles: Peacock is streaming every sport and event live as it unfolds; NBC, USA Network, CNBC and E! are carrying various live events and replays throughout the day. Here are 6 tips and tricks for getting the most out of Peacock during the Olympics.
What time is the 200 final?
The 200 final is at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Who are the top sprinters in the 200 final?
Noah Lyles has the best 200 time in the world this year at 19.53. Kenny Bednarek’s time of 19.59 is the second best time in the world this year. While Letsile Tebogo’s season-best of 19.71 is tied for the third fastest time this year. Erriyon Knighton, who won a silver medal at the 2023 world championships, is also a medal contender.
What’s Noah Lyles’ personal-best time in the 200?
Noah Lyles’ personal-best time in the 200 is 19.31, which is also currently the American record. He set the record in 2022.
U.S. men’s 4×100 relay makes statement
The U.S. men’s 4×100-relay team made a statement in the opening round of the relay. A team of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King and Courtney Lindsey got the baton around clean and it was over from there. The men led from start to finish as they crossed the line in 37.47 for the easy victory. Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek will likely run in the final for Team USA.
Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas lead Team USA to easy opening-round win in 4×100
The U.S. 4×100-relay team had a shaky exchange on the second and third leg between Twanisha Terry and Gabby Thomas that slowed them down a little. However, Sha’Carri Richardson received the baton on the anchor leg and sprinted past Germany to secure the first-round victory for Team USA in 41.94.
Germany took second, running a 42.15 and Switzerland got the last qualifying spot with a time of 42.38. The U.S. women will have to clean up their handoffs, but they are the gold-medal favorite in the relay, especially with Jamaica’s stars not competing in the event.
Two-time shot put world champ Chase Jackson out
Chase Jackson failed to get out of the opening round of the women’s shot put. Jackson scratched on her first two attempts and needed a third and final throw to advance to the final. But her third throw didn’t come off her hand clean and landed at 57 feet, 9 inches – just short of a qualifying spot.
Jackson was visibly upset after her disappointing opening round. She came into Paris as a gold-medal contender in the shot put. She’s won two straight world championships in the event. Americans Jaida Ross and Raven Saunders both advanced.
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