Olympic gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles has decided to end his current season due to an injury, ruling him out of contention for the $150,000 top prize at the upcoming track Ultimate Championship event. Lyles sustained a left hamstring injury during the 200-meter final at the U.S. nationals in July. Following the race, he revealed on social media that he had a “minor strain” which led to other complications, making it challenging for him to continue his training.
Despite being one of the prominent names expected at the Ultimate Championship, Lyles is not listed in the entry roster released by World Athletics for the tournament in Budapest. The 29-year-old, who clinched victory in the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics and boasts four world championship titles in the 200 meters, was anticipated to be a key contender at the event. However, Lyles expressed his intention to attend the competition in Budapest, where he will serve as an emcee and provide creative input.
Lyles had achieved the fastest time of the year in the 100 meters at the nationals with a time of 9.79 seconds. Following him closely is Olympic champion Oblique Seville from Jamaica, who clocked 9.82 seconds at his country’s national championships. In Lyles’ absence, the 200 meters event will now feature American athlete Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo from Botswana, who secured gold in Paris on the same night Lyles finished third and disclosed he had contracted COVID-19.
In the women’s sprints, Sha’Carri Richardson is making her return to the track where she secured victory at the 2023 world championships. She is expected to face stiff competition from reigning world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who will also compete in the 200 meters alongside Olympic champion Gabby Thomas.
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