Noah Lyles broke the American 200-metre record as he destroyed the field at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.Lyles ran a 19.32, which broke Michael Johnson's 26-year-old US record by the smallest of margins.Fellow Americans Kenneth Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton picked up the silver and bronze medals respectively to complete a clean sweep on the podium.It completes a memorable US performance in the menâs sprints as they also achieved a 1-2-3 in Fridayâs 100m, which was won by Fred Kerley.The 25-year-old Lylesâ time was the third-quickest in history, behind Usain Boltâs 19.19 and also Yohan Blakeâs 19.26.The race was expected to be a straight shoot-out between rivals Lyles and 18-year-old sprint sensation Knighton, but the champion blew away the field.Lyles got off to a rapid start, before running an exceptional bend and flying down the home straight to ease to victory.
Americaâs dominance of the sprints means they will be heavy favourites for the 4x100 metre relay, thatâs if they can get the baton round correctly, of course.
Lyles celebrated his recent win over Knighton at the US trials in June by pointing at his rival.
Knighton then walked out of his interview by claiming âit ainât finishedâ, so Lylesâ victory will be even more the sweeter for the 25-year-old.
Following last nightâs victory, Lyles told BBC Sport: âI put myself under no pressure. I came out here to give it my 100%.
âThat time was always going to come once I got a start I wanted.
âMy dad grew up in that era racing against Michael Johnson, and I remember the Americans sweeping everything.
âThen we had to watch the Jamaicans dominating. I said to myself, âwhen I get there, I want to make sure the USA is dominating againâ.â
The result ensures the United States have extended their lead at the top of the medal table.
They have achieved seven golds, six silvers and nine bronzes so far, which is comfortably more than the nearest challenger Ethiopia in second place.