Noah Lyles, the Olympic champion sprinter, has made the decision to end his season due to an injury, which means he will not be participating in the Ultimate Championship track event this week that offers a top prize of $150,000. Lyles sustained a left hamstring injury during the 200 meters final at the U.S. nationals in July. Following the race, he revealed on social media that he had a “small strain” which led to other issues and has hindered his ability to continue training.
Despite being expected to be a major contender at the Ultimate Championship, Lyles’ name was notably absent from the entry list published by World Athletics for the upcoming event in Budapest. As a four-time world champion in the 200 meters and the winner of the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics, the 29-year-old Lyles was set to be one of the star attractions at the competition where world and Olympic champions from the past two seasons will compete for a total prize pool of $10 million.
Lyles, however, confirmed that he will still be present in Budapest, taking on the roles of emcee and creative adviser at the event. Expressing his anticipation for the competition, Lyles emphasized his excitement to witness the high-level performances despite not being able to participate himself.
At the U.S. nationals, Lyles clocked an impressive time of 9.79 seconds in the 100 meters, the fastest time of the year. The top spot is now held by Olympic champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who recorded a time of 9.82 seconds at the national championships.
In Lyles’ absence, the 200 meters event will feature American sprinter Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo from Botswana, the latter having won gold in Paris on the same night that Lyles finished third after disclosing his battle with COVID-19.
In the women’s sprints, the competition will see the return of Sha’Carri Richardson, the 2023 world champion, facing tough opposition from reigning world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Jefferson-Wooden is set to compete in the 200 meters against Olympic champion Gabby Thomas.
For those interested in watching the Ultimate Championship, live coverage will be available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. The complete live streaming schedule can be accessed via the provided link.
