In order of appearance, Sha’Carri Richardson y Noah Lyles they went out on the track with the purpose of adding their golds in the 100 in the 200 meters. The absolute reign of speed was at stake. The stadium then reached its maximum temperature. Until then, the day had been defined by the shock experienced by Yulimar Rojas. The triple jump world record holder was eighth, with 14.33, before the last jump. So, somewhat slowly and technically insecure, she nevertheless reached 15.08 and left the Ukrainian Maryna BeckRomanchuk (15.00) in second position. The defeat of the Venezuelan would have supposed a kind of subversion of a physical law in Nature.
Richardson only reached bronze with 21.92. Ahead flew another American, Gabby Thomas (21.81). And later, far away, Shericka Jackson He performed 21.41, the second best mark in history after the 21.34 of Florence Griffith. Jackson had already run last year in 21.45. He is close to Griffith. But really, not so much.
Noah Lyles did repeat gold. He is, like Richardson, on the other hand, one of those speedsters with excessive personality, frequent in his guild. Exemplary of an overflowing vitality, sometimes overflowing, convenient, perhaps almost necessary, in a modality that requires both aptitudes and character. Even from an aspect, from an outfit.
And, in his case, of an exaggerated speech. Lyles is exceptionally talented, but not up to his bragging rights. At best, not yet. At worst, never. Master of his silence, of his thoughts, of his ambitions, but a slave to his words, he had assured that he would run at 19.10, nine hundredths less than Usain Bolt (19.19). She did it in 19.52, far from even her personal best of 19.31. An objectively magnificent record, but clearly insufficient. Maybe next time.
O no…