Lyles beats record holder Coleman to claim US indoor 60m crown

Noah Lyles became a six-time World Athletics Championships gold medalist because of his elite top-end speed, in spite of his start, which he has called the “worst part of my race.”

The combination made him the world’s fastest man – with a flaw.

No longer, perhaps. 

In winning the US Indoor Championships 60m gold in a personal best and world-leading 6.43 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Saturday, Lyles beat Christian Coleman, the 60m world record-holder and one of the sport’s fastest out of the blocks, by 0.01 to demonstrate yet again during this indoor season that he has refined his technique and reduced his vulnerabilities.

Lyles left the blocks with the fifth-fastest reaction time in a field of eight, yet believed “this race is mine” after just two steps. He has spent the season focusing on his technique, particularly between 10 and 20 metres. 

"I have waited and worked for 8 years to see the numbers I have produced this year in the 60m. I’m so glad it’s finally here," Lyles wrote on his social media accounts after the race.

For all of his achievements, Lyles had never made a World Athletics Indoor Championships team until Saturday. He will enter the competition in Glasgow next month with the expectation that his best indoor season will continue.

“World domination,” Lyles said while standing next to Coleman. “We the best in the world.”

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“I’m hyped, I’m beyond excited,” Lyles later added. “It’s one thing to run fast but it’s another thing to run fast against the greatest in the world and that’s truly what happened here today. You know, everyone was excited about this matchup and I was excited about this matchup.”

Additional information by World Athletics