Noah Lyles stormed to his fourth consecutive 200m crown at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, matching the legendary Usain Bolt’s record in the event. The American clocked 19.52 seconds in front of a packed National Stadium on Friday night.
Matching Bolt’s legacy
Bolt had secured four straight 200m world titles between 2009 and 2015. With this win, Lyles not only equals that mark but also strengthens his case as the leading sprinter of this generation. He had earlier won bronze in the 100m.
American one-two finish
Lyles’ U.S. teammate Kenny Bednarek pushed him all the way to take silver in 19.58 seconds, while Jamaica’s Bryan Levell claimed bronze with a personal best of 19.64. Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo of Botswana narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 19.65.
Showman on the track
Known for his flamboyant persona, Lyles embraced the big stage. He raised his arms to the crowd during introductions before focusing on the race. Though his start was slower than Levell’s, he powered through the curve and unleashed his trademark top-end speed down the home straight.
Crossing the line first, Lyles celebrated by raising four fingers to mark his fourth world title before rushing to greet his mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, in the stands.
Statement performance
The victory followed Lyles’ blistering 19.51-second run in the semi-finals, the fastest ever at that stage in world championship history. His dominance in the 200m — which he calls his “bread and butter” event — reinforces his reputation as the man to beat over the distance.
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