Paris Summer Olympics 2024: Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles Produce Nailbiting Finish of Men’s 100m Finals

by Denise N. Fyffe

Sunday evening was one that gave many people high blood pressure and heart palpitations, if they watched the Paris 2024 Olympics. It came down to whose head crossed the finish line first, from a field of eight contestants. The nail-biting photo finish saw Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles crossing neck and neck. With a fast-approaching herd of elite runners at their heels. Nay, at their shoulders.

At the Start of the Race

The men lining up for the Men’s 100m finals were all bravado and came to put on a show, from the moment they took the stage. Not to be outdone was the ever-showy Noah Lyles. Who ought to have participated in the men’s high jump, the way he came running out of the waiting area, pandering to the crowd.

To the benefit of no one, the starters kept the runners four minutes beyond the time of the official start of the race, 3:54 pm EST. This possibly led to the bleeding away of the athlete’s warmth in their muscles. We won’t know the difference those 4 minutes made in the outcome but can only guess.

At the starter’s gun, and with modern technology as well, it was clear that Kishane Thompson had a lackluster start and at a moment when the start was everything. However, after the drive phase he emerged as the leader, but just by half a meter, if so much.

Hustling like a cheetah after a fat wart hog, Noah Lyles closed the gap to catch everyone at the finish line. It took several minutes before the stadium knew who the new Olympic champion was. Lyles and Thompson both had 9.79.

Disappointment for Thompson

However, the young Jamaican was denied a gold medal at his first Olympics. A few painful seconds after the times hit the big screen, it was clear Noah had been given the first-place position. A crushed and frustrated Kishane Thompson looked everywhere for an escape route. However, as is customary, interviews needed to be done.

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Jubilation for Lyles

Meanwhile, Lyles was making the rounds like a skillful Cirque du Soleil act to squeeze every bit of celebration he could from the moment.

In an interview Lyles said, “I’ve waited a long time. I’ve seen Jamaican’s dominate the 100m and 200m for so long and I remember growing up saying, ‘when it’s my turn I’m going to make sure that the US is on top’. And here it is, here’s my time, my journey, my moment, it’s such a beautiful thing to see.”

In this nail-biting race, Fred Kerley from the United States won bronze with a season best time of 9.81, one-hundredth of a second faster than South Africa’s Akani Simbine. Defending champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy was fifth in 9.85sec, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo sixth in 9.86sec, American Kenny Bednarek seventh in 9.88sec and Jamaican Oblique Seville eighth in 9.91sec. It marked the first time in history that eight men broke ten seconds in a wind-legal race.

Recovery Time

Meanwhile, in my living room, and after sitting back in my recliner I allowed my heart to calm down from 114 beats per minute. I reminisced about how grateful we should be about producing such excellent and talented athletes. I thought about the millions of disappointed Jamaicans back home who paused to catch the race – even fantasizing about how Half Way Tree would have come to standstill. Not since the days of Usain Bolt have anyone, especially Jamaicans been this invested in a men’s 100m final.

But, if we had to lose, we have no problem with it being in one of the closest 100m finals in history.

Rounding Up

Of note, young Kishane Thompson will bounce back. However, his coach and team should work on his demeanor and sportsmanship, especially in defeat. He should be reminded that he represents a nation of proud but respectful people and even if we come second, it is not a reason to be a spoiled sport.

Go shake some hands, pat some backs and guh get di flag and carry it pan yuh back. Remember you are a rare species who got the opportunity to perform at the highest levels in your field. How many people would literally die or kill to be in that position?

As the sun sets on a magnificent day of sports in Paris, let’s remember the true meaning of the games and celebrate the fact that we are now post pandemic and can gather without masks at an international event.

I’d say cheers to that!

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Stay tuned for more updates and catch all the action as the world’s greatest athletes compete for glory at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics!

** Paris is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author of over 50 books, for more than 15 years, and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.