Noah Lyles whizzed like a bullet once again and claimed one more victory for his country at the 2023 Zurich Diamond League. Nevertheless, he received tough competition from compatriot Erriyon Knighton. However, Lyles sprinted toward victory, leaving everyone in his wake. While Knighton had already taken home the glory on the tracks of Budapest, another friendly competition was threatening Lyles? supremacy.
Zharnel Hughes shot like a cannonball when the race started. The 28-year-old British sprinter pushed himself hard to win the race but eventually had to settle for the third position. However, despite finishing third in the race, the track and field star was just 0.18 seconds behind Lyles. In fact, Hughes dropped a major piece of wisdom for the reigning World and Diamond League champion.
Relay teammate of Noah Lyles speaks about the season
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Noah Lyles conquered the contest at Zurich in just 19.80 seconds. This marked another sub-20 finish for the world champion. However, his compatriots also finished the race in under 20 seconds.
While the 20-second margin seemed like a barrier not a long time ago, the Americans have now made it their benchmark. Turns out, other nations are catching up as well. An interviewer asked Hughes about the race and Hughes said that it was a challenge for him. He stated, “You put so much into the (world) championship and it’s just been a couple days. So, take it step by step.”
Hughes also admitted that the 2023 season is just a stepping stone for him.
"I'm really grateful for this season and it's set me up nicely for next year."@zharnel_hughes after 19.94 (-0.5) for 3rd in the Zurich 200m won by Noah Lyles in 19.80 from Erriyon Knighton's 19.87. #ZurichDL
🎙️ @stuartweir pic.twitter.com/EBNQbtKGEo
— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) August 31, 2023
The 26-year-old is already facing a neck-to-neck competition from Erriyon Knighton. In fact, everyone thought at one point that Knighton was going to surpass Noah Lyles.
The 19-year-old, however, finished just 0.07 seconds after Lyles. The rise of another solid competitor is a lingering storm for Lyles.
Staunch competition asserted
Noah Lyles is all girded up to mark his bequest in the world of track and field. In the wake of which, he is set on his winning spree and is clinching accolades one after the other.
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The sprinting phenomenon continues to frame victories on his wall of fame, Firs, in the 2023 World Athletics Championships, and then, at the Zurich Diamond League. However, 19-year-old Erriyon Knighton has also entered the winning league alongside Lyles.?
ALSO READ – All You Need to Know About the 2023 Zurich Diamond League
The arrival of another close rival in the form of Zharnel Hughes adds another layer of danger for Noah Lyles.
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Currently, Lyles has already trounced his on-the-field rivals on the tracks of Budapest and Zurich. And, now, he is looking forward to clinch gold in the French Capital in 2024.
WATCH STORY – Witness the Genesis of the Legend of Noah Lyles: The Finish You Know, the Start You Don?t