First Noah Lyles equalled Usain Bolt's record of four straight 200m gold medals at a World Athletics Championships. Then he promised the greatest sprinter that has ever lived that he would surpass him in two years' time. I can't wait for 2027 to become the only man to win five 200m titles, said Lyles, who powered home in the second half of the race to win in 19.52sec, with his American compatriot Kenny Bednarek claiming silver in 19.58.
McPhillips, 23, had been ultra impressive in his heat but few expected him to contend for the win in his semi-final, given the calibre of opposition, but the Longford man was class personified as he eased to the front on the final bend and kicked clear down the home straight, taking victory ahead of Britain's Max Burgin (1:43.37) and USA's former world champion Donavan Brazier (1:43.82).
With Leroy Burrell looking set for victory, Carl Lewis came from nowhere, on his literal blind side his right eye is legally so dipping for a finish that took some time to unravel. In the event, Lewis took gold by 0.02s, breaking the world record in the process, while Burrell also improved on his pre-existing mark; Dennis Mitchell, more on whom later, snaffled bronze.
All of Crouser's six official throws of 2025 came Saturday night: one in qualifying and five in finals. He has been nursing an elbow injury and hadn't competed in a global or national event all year. His throw of 22.34 meters (73 feet, 3½ inches) was good for the most unlikely gold medal of his remarkable career. He joined Switzerland's Werner Günthör as the second man to win three straight shot put titles.
Evan Dunfee of Canada and Spanish defending champion Maria Perez prevailed in suffocating Tokyo humidity to win the first gold medals of the 20th World Athletics Championships in the 35-km walks on Saturday. Dunfee, the pain of the gruelling effort in tough conditions etched on his face, crossed the line at the National Stadium in two hours, 28 minutes and 22 seconds to claim his first global title.
I understand that it will be disappointing for some track fans to hear this news, but I've finally come to the realization that it's OK to be human and take care of myself, Thomas said in a press release on Tuesday. As an athlete you always want to keep grinding, but sometimes you simply can't outwork an injury. Sometimes it's about patience and making the right decision for the long term. All the best to my Team USA teammates fighting for medals in Tokyo.
