“You’ll Still Only Be 24”: Not Just Noah Lyles, 19 Year Old Star Also Leaves Americans Excited About Track And Field Future

Erriyon Knighton has been getting better with each of his major championship meets. Not only this, the American track prodigy also has two world records to his name. Knighton broke Usain Bolt’s under-20 200m world record in 2022 when he ran the event in 19.49 seconds in Baton Rouge, Los Angeles. He also has the under-18 200m world record to his name, a feat he achieved in 2021 when he ran 19.84 seconds in Eugene. In his last three championships, he has recorded a fourth, a third, and now a second-place finish in major competitions.

His most recent performance was at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest when he faced off against defending world champion Noah Lyles. While Lyles was looking to break Usain Bolt’s 200m world record, his equally talented teammate Knighton was looking to clinch the world title off Lyle’s hands.

When Erriyon Knighton raced against Noah Lyles

Before facing off against Erriyon Knighton, Noah Lyles had already won a gold medal for his 100m run in Budapest. However, Lyles had claimed that his focus was the 200m event. As the race concluded, Lyles secured his second gold medal with a run of  19.51 seconds. Knighton, who was his fiercest competition, finished second to secure a silver medal in  19.75 seconds. Just only 19 years old, Knighton’s impressive run puts him on track to become the next track and field star for the United States.

According to an Olympics report, after his battle with Lyles, Knighton said, “The main thing I learned is to just come on the line and be ready to run. People in every other lane just want to claim the first spot. For me it’s an experience every time I get on the track.” Despite losing out to Lyles, Knighton will be gearing up once again to face the reigning world champion in Zurich. The 2023 Zurich Diamond League will provide another chance to Knighton for getting the better of Lyles. As Lyles shared a rather humbling post on Instagram, just before his match-up with Lyles, fans were quick to comment with words of appreciation and motivation for the track prodigy who is only 19 years old.

Fans react to track prodigy’s Instagram post

Erriyon Knighton has two world records and two world championship medals. But his humbleness is what has really captured his fans’ attention. Knighton posted a few pictures on Instagram accompanied by the caption, “I been focused but l’m steady climbing, I’m nowhere near my peak.” This struck a chord with his fans, who left no stone unturned in motivating the young athlete with words of appreciation in his post. One fan thought about his future and wrote, “Crazy that LA 2028 could be your 3rd Olympic hands and you’ll still only be 24 .” Another fan reminded Knighton of his potential by commenting, “You are already one of the best to ever do it and I don’t believe that you’ve even scratched the surface of your undeniable potential! Stay focused, keep grinding!”

Read more: Erriyon Knighton Who Surpassed Usain Bolt’s Record, Storms to Another Victory in Men’s 200m

One user highlighted the American’s work ethic and wrote, “I really hope this dude can become the world champion and Olympic champion one day. He work so hard he deserves it keep up the good work bro, and also trust in god always.” While his sponsor Adidas commented, “they all know what’s coming.” And one user summed up his tack journey in two words, “rising everytime”. As Erriyon Knighton prepares for future track tournaments, he knows he has a long way to go in the sport and an equally long and impactful role to play in the world of track and field.

Watch this story: Witness the Genesis of the Legend of Noah Lyles: The Finish You Know, the Start You Don’t