Olympic and world sprint champion Noah Lyles has withdrawn from the 100m semi-finals at the US Track and Field Championships in Oregon, just a day after advancing through the opening heats.
Lyles, who captured Olympic gold in the 100m at the Paris Games last year, posted a time of 10.05 seconds during Thursday’s first round at Hayward Field in Eugene—ranking as the fifth fastest qualifier overall.
Despite this week’s meet serving as a selection trial for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Lyles’ place on the U.S. team is already secured, courtesy of his reigning world champion status in the event.
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Lyles, 28, is also qualified for Tokyo as the reigning world 200m champion. Speaking after his 100m heat Thursday, Lyles said he still intends to run all rounds of the 200m in Eugene.
“I need races — everybody knows I started the season late due to injury,” said Lyles, who was beaten in his first 100m of the season at the London Diamond League on July 19.
He explained that he simply needed as many races as possible. After running the 100m in London, he and his coach decided to enter the trials as well, reasoning that it was a free race and a chance to face strong competition.