Who is Noah Lyles, won the greatest ever Olympic 100m Race in Paris?

August 7, 2024

In a historic 100m final, US sprinter Noah Lyles won gold in a dramatic photo finish, beating Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just 0.005 seconds. All eight runners finished the race in under 10 seconds, which had never happened before in legal wind conditions.

Historic Performance

This was the first time that all eight finalists ran the 100m in less than 10 seconds. Even though Jamaica’s Oblique Seville finished last at 9.91 seconds, he would have won a medal with that time at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

Photo Finish Explained

The race was extremely close, so advanced timing systems were needed to determine the winner. Both Lyles and Thompson initially had a time of 9.78 seconds, but the automated system confirmed Lyles as the winner by 0.005 seconds.

Timing Technology

Key timing technologies used in the race included:

Starter’s Pistol: This device makes a sound and starts the timing mechanism.
False Start Sensors: These are in the starting blocks and measure foot pressure 4,000 times per second.
High-Speed Cameras: At least two cameras capture at least 1,000 frames per second, with advanced systems like Omega using 40,000 frames per second at the finish line.

Winning Criteria

To officially finish, an athlete’s torso must cross the finish line. Although Thompson’s foot crossed first, Lyles won because his torso crossed first, thanks to his quick dip at the finish line. His experience and technique contributed to his victory. This incredible race not only showcased the athletes’ abilities but also highlighted the importance of advanced timing technology in determining the winner. The combination of speed and precision technology made this race one of the greatest in track and field history.

About Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles is an American sprinter who specializes in the 100m and 200m events. He became a star at the 2019 World Championships by winning gold in the 200m. Lyles has a personal best of 19.31 seconds in the 200m, making him one of the fastest sprinters ever. He grew up in Gainesville, Florida, and went to TCU. Lyles is known for his energetic personality and lively celebrations. He often engages with fans on social media and has a unique fashion sense.

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