Noah Lyles Wins 100m Prelims at USA Track & Field Championships but Withdraws from Semi-finals to Focus on 200m, Which isn’t Set to Race until Sunday.

Noah Lyles Wins 100m Prelims at USA Track & Field Championships but Withdraws from Semi-finals to Focus on 200m, Which isn’t Set to Race until Sunday.

 

Eugene, Oregon – August 1, 2025 — Noah Lyles made a strong statement in the opening round of the men’s 100 meters at the 2025 USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships on Thursday, clocking 9.89 seconds in the prelims to top all qualifiers. But just a day later, Lyles surprised fans and competitors by withdrawing from Friday’s semi-final round, choosing instead to conserve energy and focus on his marquee event — the 200 meters — which he is scheduled to contest on Sunday.

The reigning world champion over both sprint distances, Lyles looked sharp and relaxed in his preliminary heat at Hayward Field, cruising past the line with the kind of confidence that has come to define his championship performances. His time of 9.89 marked one of his fastest-ever first-round efforts and sent a clear message that he was a serious contender to win both sprint titles at the national championships.

However, in a strategic move that raised eyebrows across the track and field world, Lyles opted not to line up for the 100m semi-finals on Friday. According to a statement released by his management team shortly after the heat sheets were finalized, the decision was made to “prioritize long-term performance and maximize his chances for a strong showing in the 200m and beyond.”

“Noah is in great shape and felt good about his run yesterday,” the statement read. “But with an eye toward his season goals and upcoming international competitions, he has decided to focus exclusively on the 200m this weekend.”

The decision effectively ends Lyles’ bid for a 100m national title this year, though his place on Team USA for the event at the World Championships in Tokyo later this summer was likely already secure, thanks to his reigning champion status and recent performances on the Diamond League circuit.

Lyles’ withdrawal now opens the door for other top contenders in the 100m, including Christian Coleman, who posted a 9.93 in his prelim heat, and rising star Micah Williams, who ran a personal best 9.96. Both sprinters will now be among the favorites heading into the final on Friday night.

As for Lyles, all eyes now turn to the 200 meters, the event where he has built his legacy. He remains undefeated at the distance in 2025 and holds the fastest time in the world this year, a blistering 19.52 he ran in Paris in June. He is expected to line up in the 200m heats on Saturday, with the final set for Sunday evening.

Despite the unexpected shift in plans, Lyles’ dominance in the 100m prelims was a reminder of his incredible range and current form. While fans may be disappointed not to see him race for the 100m title, his focus on the 200m suggests he’s aiming to peak when it matters most — at the World Championships.