Noah Lyles secures the 200m victory at the 2025 U.S. Track and Field Nationals
Noah Lyles Shines at USATF Championships, Secures Spot for Tokyo World Championships
In a thrilling race at the USATF Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Noah Lyles clinched his fifth US men's 200m title with a time of 19.63 seconds, setting a new season's best and world lead.
Lyles, who had a competitive season marked by injuries, opted to focus on the 200m at the Nationals as he was already qualified for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo in both the 100m and 200m due to his status as the reigning world champion in both distances.
The race was intense, with Lyles making a comeback in the homestretch, passing Kenny Bednarek who had an undefeated 2025 season until the championships, and engaging in a tense exchange immediately after the finish line. Bednarek eventually pushed Lyles before they reconciled, making the finish a memorable one. Bednarek crossed the line in 19.67 seconds, just behind Lyles. Robert Gregory completed the podium with a time of 19.80 seconds.
Lyles' victory underscores his resilience after a grueling season and cements his status as a top contender heading into the World Athletics Championships in September 2025 in Tokyo. Despite having a bye as the reigning world champion, Lyles chose to compete and secure his form ahead of the global competition.
Meanwhile, in the women's 200m dash, Gabby Thomas, the reigning U.S. and Olympic champion, finished in a three-way tie for third place (22.20), earning her a spot on the Tokyo world championship team.
In other events, Kayla White, who missed the 2024 season due to a broken foot, will join Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Aleia Hobbs on the 100-meter dash team for the Tokyo world championships. Tara Davis-Woodhall, the Olympic long jump champion, qualified for the long jump finals at the championships despite fouling her first two attempts in the prelims. She went on to jump 7.12 meters in the finals, outdoing her previous world lead and securing her fourth U.S. title in the long jump. Claire Bryant and Quanesha Burks will join Davis-Woodhall in representing Team USA in the long jump at the World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Tokyo.
The men's 800-meter run saw Cooper Lutkenhaus and Donavan Brazier set personal best times, with Lutkenhaus breaking the U18 world record. Bryce Hoppel, the American record holder in the 800-meter run, finished third in the event.
Anavia Battle will join Melissa Jefferson-Wooden on the 200-meter team for the Tokyo world championships, finishing second with a time of 22.13. Robert Gregory will join Lyles and Bednarek to complete the 200-meter team for Team USA at the World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Tokyo.
These performances demonstrate the depth and talent of the US track and field team as they prepare for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year.
Team USA's Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Gabby Thomas will compete in the sports of track and field at the World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Tokyo, with Thomas securing her spot in the women's 200m event following a three-way tie for third place at the USATF Championships.
In the men's 800-meter run, Donavan Brazier and Cooper Lutkenhaus established personal best times, with Lutkenhaus breaking the U18 world record, solidifying their places in the sports realm and contributing to the overall strength of the US track and field team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
