Noah Lyles wins Atlanta City Games 150m, misses Usain Bolt’s world record

Noah Lyles wanted a world record. He set an American one instead.

The reigning world champion in both the 100 and 200m, Lyles split the difference on Saturday (18 May), claiming the 150m title at the Atlanta City Games, clocking a 14.41, just 0.06 behind Usain Bolt’s 14.35 from 2009.

Erriyon Knighton was meant to go head-to-head with Lyles, but did not compete Saturday at the event, held on a makeshift track in the city’s Piedmont Park. Lyles’ American teammates Grant Holloway and Aleia Hobbs notched wins, too, claiming the men’s 110m hurdles (13.07) and women’s 100m (10.88), respectively.

Holloway’s time is a world lead for 2024, as is South Africa’s Akani Simbine’s 9.90 in the men’s 100m, beating Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala at 10.00.

Said Lyles after his win, which was the final race of the afternoon: “I wanted the world record, but I’ll settle for the American,” adding that he’s looking forward to the Olympics growing closer.

“I’m hyped. I’m excited,” he said.

Lyles needed a mid-race surge in the straightaway event, overcoming Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, who was competing the 150m for the first time in his career (14.66).

Other winners included 2020 Olympic silver medallist Keni Harrison in the 100m hurdles, the American finishing strong to clock a 12.67 into a headwind in what was her season opener.

Tara Davis-Woodhall won the women’s long jump with a 7.17m (23 feet, 6 1/4 inches), while Atlanta area native Candace Hill claimed the women’s 150m.

See can see a full list of results here.