5 sprinters who finished faster than Noah Lyles in Round 1 of men's 200m at Paris Olympics ft. Kenny Bednarek

Noah Lyles took to the track for the 200m dash at the Paris Olympics 2024 just one day after winning his maiden Olympic gold in 100m. The American sprinter is eyeing a historic double, and he has successfully taken the first step towards the goal.

Lyles was placed in heat 6 of the competition, alongside Andre de Grasse. The reigning 200m world champion clocked a smooth 20.19s to qualify for the semi-finals, while the Canadian runner finished second in 20.30s. Lyles’ time was the sixth fastest in the heats overall as five sprinters clocked a faster time than him over the first round.

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5 sprinters faster than Noah Lyles in Round 1 of men's 200m at Paris Olympics 2024

#5 Letsile Tebogo

Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Day 10 - Athletics (source-Getty)

Letsile Tebogo is a Botswana sprinter who holds a massive personal best of 19.50 over the 200m. Tebogo was the fifth fastest in the first round of the men's 200m at the Paris Olympics, clocking 20.10s to win heat 3. He will be a medal contender alongside Noah Lyles in the 200m finals.

#4 Tapiwanashe Makarawu

Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Day 10 - Athletics (source: Getty)

Tapiwanashe Makarawu is a rising talent from Zimbabwe. The 23-year-old was placed in heat 5 and clocked 20.07 to secure direct qualification to the semi-finals. He holds a season’s best of 19.93 over the distance, and if he breaks that mark in the semifinals, he should qualify for the finals.

#3 Alexander Ogando

World Athletics Championships. Budapest 2023 (source: Getty)

Alexander Ogando was placed in heat 4 of the competition, and finished second with an impressive time of 20.04. The 24-year-old won the silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With a personal best time of 19.91 over the 200m, he will look to improve the mark in the semifinals.

#2 Erriyon Knighton

World Athletics Championships. Budapest 2023 (source: Getty)

Erriyon Knighton is among the fastest 200m runners in history at just 20 years of age. He finished first in heat 5 of the competition, winning with a time of 19.99s. Knighton is expected to be a medal contender in the finals and might give Noah Lyles a tough time in the battle for gold.

#1 Kenny Bednarek

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 9 - Source: Getty

Kenny Bednarek was the fastest in Round 1 of the men's 200m, cruising to the finish line in 19.96s. The Tokyo silver medalist has broken his personal best twice this year and will be fighting for gold in the finals. If Noah Lyles makes any mistakes, Bednarek will look to be right there to pounce upon.