Four years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, Lyles struggled with his mental health and took bronze. His return to Japan, however, saw the American star perform at his peak, crossing the finish line in 19.52 seconds to retain his title.
"I didn't have good memories of 2021 when I was dealing with depression. Now I’m happy and full of energy. This moment will stay with me forever," Lyles said after receiving his medal.
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Noah Lyles wins the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on 19/9. Photo: Reuters |
Noah Lyles wins the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on 19/9. Photo: Reuters
Lyles has now won the 200m gold at four consecutive world championships: Doha 2019, Eugene 2022, Budapest 2023, and Tokyo 2025. The American has matched the achievement of Usain Bolt, who triumphed in this event at Berlin 2009, Daegu 2011, Moscow 2013, and Beijing 2015.
As a child, Lyles had chronic asthma and spent years in and out of hospitals. "When I was a kid, I thought I would never be able to play sports," he shared. "But now I’m the third-fastest man in 200m history and have multiple world championship gold medals. It's not about what happens to you, but how you keep fighting."
Lyles doesn't plan to stop here. "I’m looking forward to 2027 to become the first man in history to win five 200m world championships," the 28-year-old declared.
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Noah Lyles celebrates by mimicking the "Kamehameha" energy blast from the Dragon Ball manga series. Photo: AS |
Noah Lyles celebrates by mimicking the "Kamehameha" energy blast from the Dragon Ball manga series. Photo: AS
At Japan National Stadium yesterday, Lyles finished first with a time of 19.52 seconds, 0.06 seconds ahead of fellow American Kenny Bednarek and 0.12 seconds ahead of Jamaican Bryan Levell. Five athletes finished under 19.80 seconds, making it one of the most competitive races in history.
Spectators also witnessed a unique celebration: Lyles mimicked the "Kamehameha" energy blast from the Dragon Ball manga series as a tribute to Japanese culture. His passion for anime and manga has been with him since childhood, earning him the nickname "the world's fastest otaku" in the local press. Previously, Lyles brought Yu-Gi-Oh! cards onto the track during the US trials and has cosplayed as various characters while running.
In the women's 200m, Lyles's compatriot Jefferson-Wooden won with a time of 21.68 seconds, completing a gold medal double after winning the 100m. Great Britain's Amy Hunt finished second with 22.14 seconds, and Shericka Jackson (Jamaica) took bronze with 22.18 seconds.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships took place from 13/9 to 21/9 at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. This is the third time Japan has hosted the event, following Tokyo 1991 and Osaka 2007. This year's championship attracted over 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries and territories, competing in 49 events.
Compiled by Hong Duy
