By EDDIE PELLS SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — All the overhead shots and race replays tell the same story. Noah Lyles only led one time during his Olympic 100-meter sprint for the ages : at the finish line. There’s a good argument that the rest of his stay at these Paris Games won’t be anywhere near as nip-and-tuck.
With the Olympics still abuzz over his .005-second victory in the 100, Lyles didn’t have much time to rest before moving to his next event. He is a heavy favorite in the 200 meters, his better race, and a race he has not lost since the Olympic final in Tokyo three years ago , where he finished third.
Opening heats for the 200 were set for Monday night. Lyles’ willingness — make that, desire — to be the front man for a sport that yearns for new fans feels like a game-changer to Seb Coe, the World Athletics president who called Sunday’s race “if not perfect, about as close to perfect as you can get.” “If I’m wearing a promoter’s hat, then him winning last night was important, because he’s now creating a narrative that’s heading us back into Usain Bolt territory,” Coe said.
“That’s hugely important.” In a typically candid and engaging post-race news conference, Lyles made no secret that he is in this to promote his sport, but also wants more. He has been a front man for the popular Netflix documentary “SPRINT,” and has brought a sense of fashion back to the track, making “walk-ins” a thing and bedazzling his hair with white p.