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First, the American sprinter equaled the legendary Jamaican's feat of 4 straight 200m gold medals at the World Athletics Championships. Afterward, he vowed to outdo the most decorated sprinter in history in the next couple of years.

“I look forward for the 2027 championships to be the only man to win five 200m championships,” said the champion, who powered home in the second half of the race to finish in 19.52sec, with his US teammate Kenny Bednarek claiming silver in 19.58 seconds.

For Lyles, it was a especially special moment given he had come at the Olympics in Tokyo in poor condition and had not met expectations. “I have no good memories from that year. At that time I was depressed, but now I am motivated. I adore what I do and I am thrilled. I have the best support staff and the best crowd I could have ever asked for.

“My image is blasted everywhere the city. This is incredible and such a euphoric moment I am going to keep with me forever. Next, I want to secure the top prize in the team event.”

The gifted Jamaican athlete Bryan Levell narrowly beat the Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, who has been nursing a knee injury, to take third place. Britain’s Zharnel Hughes was in fifth position.

“I analyzed my opponents,” Lyles explained. “I knew their pace was going to slow up once we got nearer to 150 meters but mine was going to build up after I hit that mark. Being patient was the most important thing. I controlled the race. I knew some of the guys were going to tighten up but I just kept my composure and sealed the victory.”

There was controversy in the men’s 400-meter hurdles as the reigning Olympic winner Rai Benjamin was initially penalized after crossing in first place before being reinstated as the winner.

The US athlete had a royal headpiece on his head when an referee told him he was going to forfeit his gold medal because in knocking down his last hurdle it had moved a hurdle in the next lane to him in the home stretch.

The decision was overturned, though, when it was shown that it had no effect on the final result.

“We were sitting down near the penalty area, unexpectedly, and a fellow athlete said the referees are reviewing the race,” said Rai, who won in 46.52sec. “And that it was about me being penalized. I asked: ‘Did I step on the line or what?’ It might have been because of that final barrier I knocked down. But it was all fine in the end.”

The world record-holder, Karsten Warholm, was left frustrated after ending up in fifth place in 47.58 seconds. “I had an issue when I got out of the block, like a slight pull in my left thigh,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s a hamstring or joint.

“Trying to hurdle with it wasn’t ideal. I also crashed the third hurdle. I tried to push but it was just a poor race. A catastrophe. I knew I was in form and that’s why this result is disappointing.”

There was a further global championship title for the Dutch athlete Femke Bol, who stormed to victory in 51.54 seconds in the women’s 400m hurdles. “The race always starts hard for me but I know my strengths,” stated Femke, who defeated the US Jasmine Jones into runner-up.

“I tried to maintain my pace. I was pushing and gliding. The last 100m was the strongest I’ve had all year, that is what was exceptional. I was concentrated on myself and running for my life until I crossed through the line.”