Noah Lyles’ quest for four global titles this year came unhinged after Christian Coleman outsprinted him for gold in the 60m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
Coleman led from gun to tape, scorching to victory in 6.41 seconds, the fastest time run over the distance this season.
It was the world record holder’s second world indoor sprint title after previously winning in 2018. “You’ve got to put those 10,000 hours in, get the reps in time and time again and analyze, keep getting better at things you don’t do well,” Coleman said about his secret for success.
“I feel just more excited about me being in my prime and having the opportunity ahead of me,” he said of the prospect of competing at the Paris Olympics, having missed out on the Tokyo Games because of a doping ban.
Lyles, who was targeting this race as a spring-board to an assault on a treble golden haul at the Paris Olympics this summer, took silver in 6.44sec, with Jamaican Ackeem Blake claiming bronze (6.46).
“I wasn’t happy, but I’m OK with it because it’s 6.44, the second fastest time I’ve ever produced, so I’m never going to be dissatisfied with that,” Lyles said.
“These guys in the 60 really don’t have any chance outdoor! I’m extremely excited for every race to come next.”
Lyles said the indoor season had allowed him to better the worst part of his race, the start, “by drastic numbers so I’m just happy to go back home and apply it to the 100 and 200m.” “It shows that you aren’t going to run away from away me at the beginning of that race any-more.”—AFP
