Daijiworld Media Network – Ostrava

Ostrava, Jun 17: Olympic champion Noah Lyles produced a sensational performance at the Golden Spike athletics meeting in Ostrava on Tuesday, clocking the fastest-ever time over 150 metres to add another landmark achievement to his illustrious sprinting career.

The American sprint star, who is the reigning Olympic 100m champion and a four-time world 200m champion, crossed the finish line in 14.67 seconds, surpassing the previous world best of 14.72 seconds set by Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson earlier this year.

A delighted Lyles said he arrived in Ostrava with the clear objective of breaking the record.
“It was about time,” he remarked after the race, later telling local media, “Was there ever any doubt? We came for a show.”

The 28-year-old acknowledged the challenges posed by the rarely contested distance, particularly the staggered start.

“It’s very hard to get used to running from a staggered 150-metre start. We practise it, but usually without blocks. Overall, I think it was really good,” he said.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile finished second in 14.78 seconds, while Australian teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout secured third place with a time of 14.96 seconds.

The performance further highlighted Lyles’ strong form this season. Earlier this month, he won the 100 metres at the Rome Diamond League in 9.88 seconds, his fastest timing since claiming Olympic gold.

Elsewhere at the Ostrava meet, Switzerland’s Audrey Werro impressed in the women’s 800 metres, winning in 1:54.45 ahead of Dutch athlete Femke Bol, who finished second in 1:57.13 on her outdoor debut over the distance.

In the men’s 100 metres, South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza equalled his personal best of 9.94 seconds to claim victory, finishing ahead of Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme.