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Not Noah Lyles, But 19-Year-Old Who Broke Usain Bolt’s Record, Walks Off With a Sweet Silver at World Athletics Championship

Published 08/25/2023, 5:09 PM EDT

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The world saw Usain Bolt as an untouchable sky for a long time. However, an American athlete is prodding at this sky and looks to break through it every single time he performs. One would think that this is none other than the reigning prodigy Noah Lyles, but it is not. This is a 19-year-old who has emerged as the next American sprinter who has previously shattered a Bolt record.

The Florida sprinter is known for registering insanely fast timing under 20 seconds on the 200-meter track. This young athlete Erriyon Knighton was surrounded by a lot of expectations for the 2023 World Championship, and the young lad has undoubtedly delivered. Knighton entered the race as a bronze medalist and walked back with a silver at the 200m race while the man who has center stage, Noah Lyles won the gold.

Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton make America proud

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Noah Lyles entered the men’s 200m race as a clear favorite. However, Knighton was not someone who could be written off easily as the young athlete possessed the nature of shattering records. However, Erriyon Knighton took the silver with a margin of seconds behind Noah Lyles.

via Getty

The Florida youngster emerged as a tough competition for his American brother who also recently smashed one of Bolt’s records. Knighton has recorded a faster timing than Bolt, with 19.49 seconds against Bolt’s 19.93 seconds. Both young men have triggered a new generation of US athletes who are carrying the legacy of Michael Johnson.

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Johnson may not have been the fastest, but has always performed consistently. The American eight-time world champion always finished his 400m runs under 44 seconds. Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton are doing just that and with even greater efficiency. Knighton is a former football player who shifted his aim from chasing the ball to chasing Bolt and beyond.

This silver medal win after his senior Lyles is a big achievement in his pocket and it couldn’t have come at a better moment. Considering Knighton’s age, he will only grow faster and quicker just like Lyles and Bolt. 

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The infinite growth potential of new-age athletes

Usain Bolt experienced a great spike in his speed as he continued racing for his country. One can safely say that the experience and the training accumulated to polish the already sparkling gem Bolt was. However, sprinting maestros like Noah Lyles and Erriyon Nighton are already catching up with the greatness of Bolt.

via Imago

Both athletes have shown top-tier discipline and commitment to their sport. In fact, while Noah Lyles defended his gold medal from Eugene, Knighton converted his bronze to silver. Moreover, the athletes have many more years of racing left in them before their prime comes to an end. Besides, both Lyles and Knighton are far from the peaks of their career. This infinite growth potential will go a long way in cultivating a culture of winning, breaking multiple records, and improving in the US. 

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WATCH STORY – Noah Lyles Eyeing on Shattering Another Record of Usain Bolt After Breaking the Sprinting Legend’s Record in Seven Years

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Written by:

Ankit Singh

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Ankit Singh is a pro writer for US Sports at Essentially Sports. This surfing enthusiast has kept his watchful eye on all things Kelly Slater. With his prior experience as a senior writer for popular blogs in the country, Ankit brings his attention to detail to the nuances of every turn, snap, 360, and alley-oop on the surfboard.
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Edited by:

Brandon Gabriel