Budapest: Stars like sprinter Noah Lyles and pole vaulter Armand Duplantis and long-distance runner Faith Kipyegon showcased their abilities at the World Athletics Championships, with the United States emerging as the biggest winner.
The tournament, consisting of 49 events, unfolded over nine scorching days in Budapest. The U.S. team secured an impressive 29 medals, including 12 gold. Their dominance extended beyond sprint races, as they also held a firm grip on throwing events.
In the men’s 4x100m relay final, the 26-year-old Lyles delivered a sensational fourth-leg run, clinching three gold medals and solidifying his position as the Championships’ most prolific athlete, reports Xinhua.
Lyles clinched his third consecutive world title in the 200m event, becoming the first man since Jamaican legend Usain Bolt in 2015 to achieve the 100m and 200m double at the World Championships.
Duplantis, a role model for Lyles, remained a force to be reckoned with. The 23-year-old Swede maintained his winning streak for four years, with just one loss on record. In Budapest, he successfully defended his Olympic title and persistently challenged his own world record of 6.22m.
Yulimar Rojas also captivated the audience. Despite initially being in eighth place with a jump of 14.33m in the women’s triple jump final, the world record holder and Olympic champion showcased her magic with a final jump of 15.08m, securing her fourth consecutive world title.
In the long-distance races, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya stood out, triumphing in both women’s 1,500m and 5,000m.
Spain’s Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez both secured double victories in the race-walking events, enabling Spain to sweep all four titles.
