Lyles wins his fourth 200-meter world title. Jefferson-Wooden completes a sprint sweep

By Canadian Press on September 19, 2025.

TOKYO (AP) — Noah Lyles pulled ahead of Kenny Bednarek heading into the straightaway then held him off down the stretch to capture his fourth title in a much-awaited 200 meters at world championships Friday night.

Lyles finished in 19.52 seconds for a .06-second margin over Bednarek, who led the final at the halfway point, fell behind by a few steps but was closing the gap over the final footsteps.

Minutes later, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed the first women’s 100-200 double at worlds since Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, winning in 21.68 seconds — a .46-second margin over surprise silver medalist Amy Hunt of Britain.

Lyles matched Usain Bolt with four 200 titles at the world championships. Instead of exchanging glares and shoves with Bednarek — the way it happened at U.S. nationals last month — Lyles raised up four fingers and said “That’s four, baby,” into the camera.

Bryan Levell of Jamaica finished third and Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo was fourth.

Rai Benjamin captured the 400-meter hurdles on the best day of the championships for the United States, which has 10 golds and 16 overall with two days left in the meet.

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Eddie Pells, The Associated Press