American Noah Lyles wins US 100m title, earns spot at Paris Olympics

(AP) — Noah Lyles came from behind to win the 100m final at the United States track and field trials in 9.83 seconds on Sunday to qualify for that race at the Paris Olympics. 

It's his first major step for an Olympic sprint double. 

Lyles overcame a slow start to beat 200-metre specialist Kenny Bednarek who clocked a personal best of 9.87 seconds

Fred Kerley, the 2022 world champion, finished in third and will also go to Paris.

Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champ, was in the lead with about 30 metres left but finished fourth.

Lyles' win came a day after Sha'Carri Richardson also lived up to expectations and won the women's 100m to earn her trip to Paris.

This marks the first national title in the short sprint for Lyles, who has long been a 200-meter specialist but who rededicated himself to the shorter distance last year. The 9.83 seconds equaled his personal best. 

He went on to win the world championship in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay last year, setting the stage for a quest to do it again in the Olympic year.

If he pulls it off in Paris, Lyles would be in company with Usain Bolt, the Jamaican great who went three for three at the three Olympics he competed. .

The Olympic Games will start next month. 

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