The 2024 World Athletics Championships in Budapest reached a breathtaking crescendo, delivering a final night of competition that will be etched into sporting history. The highlight reel was dominated by two superstars: American sprint king Noah Lyles and Britain's phenomenal middle-distance runner, Keely Hodgkinson.
Noah Lyles: The Sprint King's Triple Crown
Noah Lyles solidified his status as the fastest man on the planet by completing an extraordinary sprint triple. Having already secured gold in the 100m and as part of the 4x100m relay team, Lyles saved his best for last in the 200m. Blasting out of the blocks, he executed a perfect bend and powered down the home straight, leaving a world-class field in his wake.
His victory was one of sheer dominance, a statement performance that cements his legacy ahead of the Paris Olympics. The athletics world is now asking: can anyone stop Noah Lyles?
Keely Hodgkinson's Agonisingly Close Silver
For British fans, the night was defined by a heart-stopping moment in the women's 800m final. Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic and world silver medallist, delivered a masterful tactical race. Hanging just off the fierce early pace set by Uganda's Halimah Nakaayi, Hodgkinson timed her kick to perfection on the final bend.
In a lung-busting charge for the line, she threw herself alongside the USA's Athing Mu and Jamaica's Natoya Goule-Toppin. For several agonising minutes, the result hung in the balance as officials examined the photo finish. The digital screen finally flashed up, confirming Hodgkinson had clinched the silver medal by the narrowest of margins—a mere thousandth of a second.
This hard-fought medal adds another prestigious chapter to her remarkable career and proves her consistency on the very biggest stages.
A Stellar Night for Team GB
Hodgkinson's brilliance capped off a highly successful championships for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The team finished with a impressive haul of ten medals, showcasing incredible depth and talent across various disciplines. This strong performance in Budapest provides massive momentum and confidence as the squad turns its focus towards the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The electrifying atmosphere in Budapest and the sheer quality of performances have set the stage for an unforgettable summer of athletics in 2024.
