Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic and world champion in the men’s 100 meters, has unexpectedly pulled out of the semi-final round at the US Track and Field Championships just a day after comfortably winning his opening heat.
The 28-year-old sprinter clocked 10.05 seconds in Thursday’s first-round heat at Hayward Field in Eugene — the fifth-fastest time among the qualifiers.
But fans hoping to see him chase a national title in the event were left stunned Friday when he was a no-show for the semis.
Lyles’ withdrawal won’t affect his participation at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September.
He has automatic qualification in the 100m and 200m events, thanks to his reigning world champion status in both.
READ ALSO: Favour Ofili Switches Allegiance to Turkey Over AFN Dispute
While Lyles didn’t cite an injury or issue in stepping aside, he made it clear earlier in the week that his focus was on building race sharpness after a delayed season start due to injury setbacks.
“I need races — everybody knows I started the season late due to injury,” Lyles told reporters after Thursday’s heat. “After the 100 in London, me and my coach were like, ‘We might as well race at trials.’ It’s a free race, it’s good competition.”
The Olympic gold medalist said he still intends to contest the full 200m schedule at the US Championships — an event where he remains a dominant global force.
With his sights firmly set on Tokyo and another world title defense, Lyles is choosing strategy over spectacle in Eugene.