Paris 2024 Olympics: Noah Lyles beaten to second by Letsile Tebogo in men's 200m semis

Paris 2024 Olympics: Noah Lyles beaten to second by Letsile Tebogo in men's 200m semis

Abigael Wafula 21:02 - 07.08.2024

Noah Lyles finished second behind Letsile Tebogo in the men's 200m semifinal as he gears up for a grueling final against a strong cast in the final.

Noah Lyles was beaten to second place by Botswanan wunderkind in the men’s 200m semifinal at the Paris Olympic Games.

Competing in the second semifinal heat, Tebogo was off to a great start from the blocks, showcasing his prowess in the race as he claimed the top prize in 19.96. Lyles finished second in a time of 20.08 as Makanakaishe Charamba of Zimbabwe completed the podium in 20.31.

Kenny Bednarek stunned defending champion Andre de Grasse to take the win in 20.00, competing in the first heat. Bednarek was flawless off the blocks as he maintained momentum to the finish line and won the race.

Alexander Ogando secured his ticket to the final after his impressive second-place finish in 20.09 as de Grasse completed the podium in 20.41 to miss out on an automatic slot in the final.

The third heat also saw incredible matchups with Erriyon Knighton claiming the win in a stunning 20.09 with Joseph Fahnbulleh finishing second in a stunning 20.12. Tapiwanashe Makarawu of Zimbabwe rounded up the podium, qualifying as one of the fastest losers. He clocked 20.16 to cross the finish line.

Lyles has already enjoyed a great 100m campaign, winning the Olympic title in a personal best time of 9.79 ahead of Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson and he has hopes to continue the winning streak.

Bednarek and Tebogo missed out on podium places in the men’s 100m final and they will be out to seek redemption in the men’s 200m final.