Disaster struck for Noah Lyles in the men’s 200 meters at the 2026 U.S. track and field championships.
Lyles was the heavy favorite to win the 200, his primary event, but he pulled up after the curve as the other sprinters raced by him. Lyles eventually was able to finish the race way out of contention.
“Everything was going fine. I came off the turn and I just felt a grabbing sensation. And I was like, ‘Yeah, this is the time to stop. There’s not reason to push this.’ It was somewhat of a cramp,” Lyles said to NBC Sports after the race. “I’m fine. I just need to be stretched out and get some electrolytes in my system. I’ll be good.”
Garrett Kaalund won the 200 with a time of 20.04 in what was a huge upset. Brandon Hicklin crossed the line at 20.29 (20.288) to finish second and Maximilian Thomas’ 20.29 (20.290) was good enough for third.
The cramp Lyles sustained, though, overshadowed the race. Lyles was aiming for his sixth national championship in the men’s 200. Lyles eventually crossed the finish line at 50.88.
The U.S. championships weren’t all a disappointment for Lyles. The 29-year-old ran a world-leading 9.79 to capture a gold medal in the men’s 100 on Friday.
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