Noah Lyles breaks Michael Johnson's U.S. record that stood since 1996

By IND Hindi Tech Image Credit: Hannah Peters/Getty Images for World Athletics

Noah Lyles was aware that he had completed the best race of his life and, conceivably, the greatest 200-meter run by an American. In the World Athletics Championships final on Thursday night, he finished so far ahead of the competition that as soon as he crossed the line, he turned to face his lone real rival: the clock.

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Lyles' unofficial time was 19.32, but the on-field clock obstinately displayed that reading for painful intervals. The timing was identical to what Michael Johnson ran in the 200 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which would have thrilled any other athlete in the world. It has appeared untouchable ever since. Before now.

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A U.S. sweep in the men's 200 metres was highlighted by the new record, with 18-year-old Erriyon Knighton taking home bronze and Kenneth Bednarek taking home silver.

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Lyles experienced a long-overdue sense of relief. He has made a point of being transparent about the obstacles he has faced while training and competing, such as his asthma. He claims that counselling has helped him deal with his depression, and he strives to support young children who want to pursue track but lack the resources to do so.

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However, Lyles outran everyone on Thursday night as he established a new benchmark for American track. He is now firmly established as one of the quickest guys ever. Only Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, both Jamaican runners, had a faster time than his 19.31.

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Johnson, a BBC Sport broadcaster, was there to witness the loss of his record. He personally congratulated Lyles.

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"To be honest, I didn't expect him to come down," Lyles said with a big smile.

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