Olympic gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles has decided to end his season due to an injury, which means he will not be participating in the prestigious track Ultimate Championship with a prize pool of $10 million. Lyles sustained a left hamstring injury during the 200 meters final at the U.S. nationals in July. He later revealed on social media that a subsequent examination showed a minor strain that led to other complications, making it challenging for him to continue training.
Despite being a notable name expected at the competition, Lyles was not included in the entry list released by World Athletics for the event in Budapest. Instead, the 29-year-old athlete will be present at the competition in a different capacity, serving as an emcee and creative advisor.
Lyles, who achieved a season-best time of 9.79 seconds in the 100 meters at the nationals, will be missed at the event. The top contenders in the 100 meters now include Olympic champion Oblique Seville from Jamaica with a time of 9.82 seconds in his national championships.
The 200 meters race will now showcase American Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, who won gold in Paris where Lyles finished third after battling COVID-19. In the women’s sprints, the competition is expected to be fierce with Sha’Carri Richardson returning to the track where she triumphed in 2023. She will face tough competition from Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Olympic champion Gabby Thomas in the 200 meters event.
For those looking to follow the action, live coverage of the Ultimate Championship can be streamed on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
