Olympic sprinting champion Noah Lyles has withdrawn from this week’s World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest due to a hamstring injury sustained during the U.S. national championships in July. The 29-year-old discovered a minor strain following his exit from the 200-meter final, which subsequently triggered additional complications that have prevented him from continuing training. The inaugural event, beginning Friday, offers $150,000 in first-place prizes and features a $10 million overall prize pool.
Lyles’ absence represents a significant blow to the competition, as he was among the meet’s headlining attractions. The Paris Olympics gold medalist in the 100 meters and four-time world champion in the 200 meters had been expected to attract considerable attention. His withdrawal leaves the 200-meter race to be contested by American Kenny Bednarek and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who claimed Olympic gold in Paris while Lyles finished third.
Despite sitting out the competition, Lyles plans to remain in Budapest in a different capacity. He will serve as an emcee and creative adviser for the event, allowing him to remain involved while his injury heals. “I still think there’s going to be an amazing competition and I’m excited to watch that,” Lyles said. The women’s sprints will feature Sha’Carri Richardson and other elite competitors competing for the substantial prize money.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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