Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States celebrates after the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
TOKYO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- American sprinters showcased their dominance in the 200 meters at the World Athletics Championships on Friday, with Noah Lyles clinching his fourth consecutive victory in the men's event, while Melissa Jefferson-Wooden secured the women's title.
Lyles, who previously won bronze in the 100 meters, confirmed his status as a top contender with a blistering finish in 19.52 seconds. He edged out teammate Kenneth Bednarek, who took silver in 19.58 seconds. Jamaica's rising star, Bryan Levell, achieved a personal best of 19.64 seconds to claim the bronze.
At 28 years old, Lyles celebrated his sixth gold medal across four World Championships, adding to his 100m title and 4x100m relay golds in both Doha and Budapest.
"I can't wait for 2027 to become the only man to win five 200 meters titles," Lyles said. "I controlled the race. I knew some of the guys were going to tighten up, but I just stayed relaxed and got the job done. I am proud to be able to show all my skills."
Jefferson-Wooden completed a remarkable sprint double, adding the title to her earlier 100m crown. The 24-year-old sprinted to a world-leading 21.68 seconds, marking her fourth career world title. She was also part of the U.S. 4x100m relay teams that triumphed at the past two championships.
Britain's Amy Hunt claimed the silver medal with a time of 22.14 seconds, while Jamaica's defending champion, Shericka Jackson, took bronze in 22.18 seconds.
The United States also secured the men's 400m hurdles title through Olympic champion Rai Benjamin, who won in a season-best 46.52 seconds. Brazil's Alison dos Santos, the 2022 world champion and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, captured silver in 46.84 seconds, while Qatar's Abderrahman Samba took bronze in 47.06 seconds. World record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway finished fifth in 47.58 seconds.
In the women's 400-meter hurdles, Dutch star Femke Bol defended her title with a world-leading time of 51.54 seconds. American Jasmine Jones followed in second place at 52.08 seconds, with Slovakia's Emma Zapletalova completing the podium.
The field events added excitement as Portugal's Tokyo Olympic champion Pedro Pichardo soared to a world-leading 17.91 meters to claim gold in the men's triple jump. Italy's Andrea Dallavalle took silver with 17.64, while Cuba's Lazaro Martinez earned bronze with a jump of 17.49.
After seven days of competition, the United States leads the medal tally with 11 golds, 3 silvers, and 3 bronzes, followed by Kenya with 4 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronzes, and Canada with 3 golds. China currently ranks 21st with a silver and two bronzes. ■
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States celebrates after the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (C) of the United States, Amy Hunt (L) of Britain, Shericka Jackson of Jamaica celebrate after the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Amy Hunt of Britain celebrates after the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (C) of the United States competes during the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (L) of the United States competes during the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States celebrates after the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Amy Hunt of Britain celebrates after the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (C) of the United States, Amy Hunt (R) of Britain, Shericka Jackson of Jamaica compete during the women's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Lv Xiaowei)
Noah Lyles (1st R) of the United States competes during the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Noah Lyles of the United States celebrates after the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Noah Lyles of the United States is seen after the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gold medalist Noah Lyles of the United States celebrates after the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Noah Lyles (4th L) of the United States, Kenneth Bednarek (2nd L) of the United States and Bryan Levell (3rd L) of Jamaica compete during the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Noah Lyles (C) of the United States competes during the men's 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
