Noah Lyles has once again etched his name into the history books by clinching his fourth consecutive 200m gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. The American sprint star not only matched the legendary Usain Bolt’s record but also sent a clear message about his ambitions to surpass him in the years to come.
Noah Lyles equals Usain Bolt with fourth 200m crown
Lyles powered to victory in 19.52 seconds, finishing strongly in the final stretch to hold off his compatriot Kenny Bednarek, who claimed silver with a season’s best 19.58 seconds. Rising Jamaican star Bryan Levell clinched bronze in 19.64 seconds, edging out Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, who has been struggling with a knee issue.
By taking his fourth successive 200m title, Lyles joined Usain Bolt as the only man to achieve the feat. Yet, the 27-year-old made it clear that he is not content with merely sharing the record.
“I can’t wait for 2027 to become the only man to win five 200m titles,” Noah Lyles declared after the race.
From struggles in 2021 to glory in 2025
For Lyles, the victory carried added significance as it marked a personal redemption from his disappointing outing in Tokyo during the 2021 Olympics. At the time, he admitted to battling mental health struggles that affected his performance.
“I don’t have good memories from 2021. At that time I was depressed, but this time I am energised. I love what I do and I am happy. I have the best support staff and the best crowd I could have ever asked for,” he said.
The sprinter described the moment as one of pure joy:
“My face is blasted everywhere over Tokyo. This is amazing and such a joyous moment I am going to keep with me for ever. Now I want to win the gold medal in the relay.”
A masterclass in strategy
Breaking down his performance, Noah Lyles explained that patience and composure were the keys to his victory.
“I studied my competitors. I knew their momentum was going to slow up once we got closer to 150m but mine was going to build up after I hit that mark. Being patient was the most important thing. I controlled the race. I knew some of the guys were going to tighten up but I just stayed relaxed and got the job done.”
His ability to execute under pressure has become a trademark, further cementing his reputation as the successor to Usain Bolt’s sprinting legacy.