Sprinter Noah Lyles sets new U.S. record for 200-meters at World Championships in Eugene

Noah Lyles, of the United States, celebrates after winning the men’s 200-meter run final at the World Athletics Championships on Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles ran the fastest 200-meter sprint recorded by an American man at the World Championships in Eugene on Thursday night, finishing in 19.31 seconds.

That bested the legendary Michael Johnson’s mark of 19.32 seconds, a U.S. record hat stood for 26 years since Johnson accomplished it at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Lyles edged the mark by a mere 0.01 seconds to put himself in the record books.

Lyle’s 19.31 time is now the third-fastest 200-meter sprint in history. Usain Bolt is still the all-time record holder with his 2009 mark of 19.19 seconds.

It topped what was an American sweep in the event, with 19-year-old Erriyon Knighton claiming bronze and the silver going to Kenneth Bednarik.

After the race, Johnson himself came down to congratulate Lyles and celebrate his historic moment.

I’m framing this One!
2 fastest Americans ever! pic.twitter.com/sK8dNTz3ov

— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) July 22, 2022

Back-to-back world 200m champion ✔️
North American record (19.31) ✔️@LylesNoah 🇺🇸, take a bow 👏#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/SwJYna46jc

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) July 22, 2022

POV: you’re standing in front of @LylesNoah‘s 🇺🇸 family#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/nQni2fnG2G

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) July 22, 2022