Shortly After Breaking Usain Bolt’s Record, Erriyon Knighton Achieves Historic Feat At Season Opener

France will record the highest hotel booking and food tour rate by the end of August. It will also have vacationers in great numbers flocking to the capital. But before the Paris Olympics give us adrenaline-packed days, the France Pas-de-Calais 2024 has given us a list of athletes to choose from. American sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who has gained a name for his 200m performances at such a tender age, won’t require much to outclass the maestros.

Winning the 200m dash at the France Pas-de-Calais has cemented his name for more than one reason. Amid the history-makers we already have our eyes on, emerged Erriyon Knighton as a capable Olympic contender. It’s going to be a show of a lifetime.

Erriyon Knighton writes his history page

Travis Miller, the NBC Sports Director of Social Media, has posted, “Erriyon Knighton 20.21 in his first EVER indoor race! 12th fastest man in world indoor history. 12th fastest man in world indoor history”. Going numerically, he had 3 history-making moments to add to his repertoire and win millions of hearts simultaneously. Ahead of Tokyo Olympian Ryan Zeze from France clocking in at 20.56s, the 20-year-old young gun unfurled his victory flags. Dutch athlete Xavi Mo-Ajok trailed behind Zeze with 21.21s. Just a fraction away from the gold podium, the Florida native finished behind threepeater Noah Lyles at the World Championships.

Interestingly, there’s a chord that connects both the phenoms. Both of them, in some way or the other, have been paralleled with track king Usain Bolt. Having played football early in his career, the World champ later found solace in track events. And in no time, he was the fastest teen to turn heads. But how did he break Usain Bolt’s record? Let’s get into it.

Young gun on his way to surpass Usain Bolt

Sporting a burgeoning rivalry with Noah Lyles, Knighton has always loved a healthy competition. Said, “I like (the rivalry) because I know every time we step on the track. We’re going to bring the best out of each other.” The reason he has attained this confidence takes us back to his youth days, when his 19.49s in April 2022 silenced Bolt. The latter’s highest time at that age was 19.93.

READ MORE: “That Feels Amazing”: Elated Noah Lyles Announces a Fresh Update After Reaching New Career Milestone

Everyone aiming to nab Olympic titles this year, the level of contention is convincing. With Lyles and Coleman on the roster, it would be a spiky journey to the top. But Knighton’s interminable will has never let him down. With a long life ahead, he has scopes to add more wins in his resume.

Watch this story: Noah Lyles Is All In, Rooting For The $155M Esports Giants At Worlds 2023