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PARIS: Botswana’s Letesile Tebogo set the fastest time in the Olympic men’s 200m semi-final on Wednesday, signalling his intention to break up American Noah Lyles’ bid for the sprint double title.
Tebogo, the current world bronze medalist, passed the American 100m champion on the turn and sailed through the rest of the race, finishing in 19.96. Lyles, 27, worked hard to finish second in 20.08.
Americans and Tokyo Olympic silver medalists Kenny Bednarek and Elion Knighton won their respective semifinals, with Bednarek at 20.00 and the 20-year-old Knighton at 20.09.
Also competing in Thursday’s final are Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic, Joseph Fahnbulleh of Liberia and Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba of Zimbabwe.
Athletics has always been Lyles’ forte, as he is a three-time defending world champion. He has not lost in the event since winning bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
However, his performance on Wednesday was reminiscent of his poor performance in the 100m semifinal, after which he sought guidance from a physiotherapist. Two hours later he emerged to electrify the crowd by winning the most competitive men’s 100m race in Olympic history.
Lyles is looking to become the first American to win two Olympic sprint gold medals in four decades. He is aiming for four gold medals in Paris, in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and, if he makes the team, the 4x400m relay.
Canadian defending champion Andre de Grasse was the last competitor to beat Lyles in the long distance race but failed to advance to the final.
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