Noah Lyles delivered a strong performance ahead of next month’s World Athletics Championships, securing a close victory over Letsile Tebogo of Botswana in the 200m at the Diamond League final in Zurich.
Tebogo had stunned Lyles at last year’s Olympics, where the American later revealed he had been affected by illness. This time, it seemed history might repeat itself as Tebogo surged ahead early.
However, Lyles managed to edge ahead in the final moments, sealing the win with a time of 19.74 seconds—just 0.02 seconds ahead of Tebogo. The triumph provided Lyles with a timely boost after recent setbacks in the 100m, marking his sixth Diamond League final victory.
“Six in a row, more than anyone else in track,” said Lyles. “It feels great. I saw Letsile lean at the finish, but I was sure I had it. If I had hesitated, I wouldn’t have won. Staying composed was key.”
British athletes also shone during the event. Max Burgin came close to defeating the reigning men’s Olympic 800m champion, while Georgia Hunter Bell achieved her fastest-ever time in the women’s 800m.
Burgin, often compared to Sebastian Coe, has struggled with injuries that have hindered his progress. Yet, he pushed hard against Emmanuel Wanyonyi, finishing in 1:42.42—his second-best result.
“Today felt like a preview of the World Championships,” said Burgin, who placed just 0.05 seconds behind Wanyonyi. “I hope to be in the same position at the Worlds.”
Hunter Bell also impressed, moving from fifth to second in the final stretch with a time of 1:55.96—a personal best by half a second and the third-fastest in British history behind Keely Hodgkinson and Jemma Reekie.
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