Noah Lyles Wins 100m Gold in Photo Finish at Paris Olympics 2024: Breaking Down US Sprinter's Race Split by Split

Add as a preferred source on Google

US sprinting megastar Noah Lyles clinched Olympic gold in the men's 100m dash by just .005 of a second in an extraordinary photo finish. The reigning 100m world champion secured his victory with a blistering run of 9.79 seconds at the Stade de France on Sunday night, narrowly beating Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson.

His victory over Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson was decided by a mere .005 of a second, making it one of the closest races in Olympic history.

100m Final at Paris Olympics: A Detailed Race Breakdown

Let's delve into the race breakdown of all the finalists, with a special focus on the head-to-head comparison between Lyles and Thompson every 10 meters.

Noah Lyles' Performance in 100m Final

Noah Lyles' path to gold was characterized by a strong and consistent performance across all segments of the race:

• 10m: Lyles clocked 1.95 seconds, setting a solid foundation for his race.
• 20m: At 2.98 seconds, he maintained his pace, though slightly trailing behind Thompson.
• 30m: His time of 3.90 seconds showed his ability to sustain high velocity.
• 40m: Lyles reached 4.76 seconds, still closely matched with Thompson.
• 50m: His split of 5.61 seconds kept him competitive, with a marginal edge in his stride.
• 60m: Clocking 6.44 seconds, Lyles showcased his acceleration.
• 70m: At 7.26 seconds, he continued to push forward, narrowing the gap.
• 80m: His 8.09 seconds time indicated a slight lead.
• 90m: With 8.93 seconds, Lyles maintained his front position.
• 100m: Crossing the finish line at 9.79 seconds, Lyles secured the gold in a photo finish.

100m Final: Kishane Thompson's Performance Breakdown

Thompson, representing Jamaica, delivered an exceptional performance, closely trailing Lyles throughout the race:

• 10m: Thompson's strong start at 1.90 seconds put him slightly ahead of Lyles.
• 20m: With 2.93 seconds, he maintained a slender lead
• 30m: His time of 3.84 seconds showcased his speed and control
• 40m: Thompson reached 4.72 seconds, marginally ahead of Lyles
• 50m: At 5.56 seconds, he continued to maintain a slight advantage.
• 60m: His 6.41 seconds indicated a close contest with Lyles.
• 70m: Thompson clocked 7.24 seconds, showing strong form.
• 80m: At 8.07 seconds, he kept the race neck and neck.
• 90m: With a time of 8.92 seconds, Thompson was almost parallel to Lyles.
• 100m: Finishing at 9.79 seconds, he secured silver by the narrowest of margins.

Fred Kerley's Performance in 100m Final

Fred Kerley, another standout US sprinter, secured the bronze medal with a commendable performance:

• 10m: Kerley started at 1.87 seconds, the fastest among the top three.
• 20m: He continued strong at 2.92 seconds.
• 30m: His 3.85 seconds kept him in contention.
• 40m: Kerley reached 4.73 seconds, slightly behind the leaders.
• 50m: At 5.58 seconds, he remained close.
• 60m: His time of 6.41 seconds matched Thompson's pace.
• 70m: Kerley clocked 7.25 seconds, maintaining competitiveness.
• 80m: At 8.09 seconds, he was in the mix.
• 90m: His 8.94 seconds kept him in the running for a medal.
• 100m: Finishing at 9.81 seconds, Kerley earned the bronze.

Performances of Other Finalists

1. Akani Simbine (RSA): Finished fourth with a time of 9.82 seconds, setting a new national record.
2. Lamont Marcell Jacobs (ITA): The reigning Olympic champion finished fifth with a time of 9.85 seconds.
3. Letsile Tebogo (BOT): Set a national record with a time of 9.86 seconds, placing sixth.
4. Kenneth Bednarek (USA): Achieved a personal best of 9.88 seconds, finishing seventh.
5. Oblique Seville (JAM): Finished eighth with a time of 9.91 seconds.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Lyles vs. Thompson

The duel between Lyles and Thompson was a masterclass in sprinting precision:

• 0-10m: Thompson took an early lead with 1.90 seconds against Lyles' 1.95.
• 10-20m: Thompson extended his lead to 2.93 seconds, with Lyles at 2.98.
• 20-30m: Thompson clocked 3.84 seconds, maintaining his edge over Lyles' 3.90.
• 30-40m: Thompson's 4.72 seconds still had him ahead of Lyles' 4.76.
• 40-50m: The gap narrowed as Lyles reached 5.61 seconds, just behind Thompson's 5.56.
• 50-60m: Thompson led with 6.41 seconds, closely followed by Lyles at 6.44.
• 60-70m: Both sprinters were neck and neck, with Thompson at 7.24 and Lyles at 7.26.
• 70-80m: Lyles started to close the gap with 8.09 seconds, against Thompson's 8.07.
• 80-90m: Lyles surged ahead slightly with 8.93 seconds, compared to Thompson's 8.92.
• 90-100m: In a thrilling finish, both crossed the line at 9.79 seconds, with Lyles edging out by .005 of a second.

The men's 100m final at the Paris Olympics 2024 will be etched in history for its electrifying finish and the remarkable performances by all the athletes. Noah Lyles' victory over Kishane Thompson in a close photo finish highlights the intense competition and extraordinary talent on display.