Noah Lyles Shrugs Off Cramp Scare as Garrett Kaalund Claims 200m Title at US Championships

Posted : 27 July 2026

Noah Lyles reassured fans that he had not suffered a serious injury after pulling up with cramp during the men's 200 metres final at the US Athletics Championships on Sunday, ending his hopes of completing the sprint double in New York.

The Olympic 100m champion, who clocked a world-leading 9.79 seconds to win the national 100m title on Friday, felt discomfort as he exited the bend in the 200m final and decided not to push through the pain. Lyles later explained that he experienced a grabbing sensation in his hamstring and chose to ease off as a precaution rather than risk a more significant injury.

The American sprinter dismissed concerns over his condition, describing the issue as a cramp that could be resolved with rest, stretching and proper hydration. He said he expected to recover quickly and was confident there was no lasting problem.

With Lyles unable to challenge for victory, 22-year-old Garrett Kaalund seized the opportunity to capture the national 200m title in 20.04 seconds. Lyles congratulated the new champion immediately after the race, while Brandon Hicklin and Maximilian Thomas shared the remaining podium places, both recording 20.29 seconds.

In the women's 200m final, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden continued her outstanding season by taking the title in 21.69 seconds, finishing just one-hundredth of a second outside her personal best. Cambrea Sturgis claimed second place in 22.22 seconds, while Camryn Dickson completed the podium with a time of 22.58 seconds. Jefferson-Wooden had skipped the 100m, which was won earlier in the championships by Sha'Carri Richardson.

Elsewhere, Tara Davis-Woodhall extended her remarkable unbeaten run in the long jump to 19 consecutive competitions. The Olympic champion produced a winning leap of 7.16 metres with her sixth and final attempt, overtaking Alyssa Jones and Monae' Nichols after trailing for much of the contest.

Cordell Tinch secured his first national title in the men's 110m hurdles after one of the closest finishes of the championships. Although both Tinch and Bradley Franklin were officially timed at 13.00 seconds, the expanded times showed Tinch crossing the line just four thousandths of a second ahead.

Valarie Sion continued her dominance in the women's discus by winning her eighth straight national crown with a throw of 69.54 metres, narrowly defeating Cierra Jackson. Teen sensation Cooper Lutkenhaus also impressed by capturing his first outdoor US 800m title in 1:43.48 after producing a decisive finishing kick over the final 200 metres.

Noah Lyles Shrugs Off Cramp Scare as Garrett Kaalund Claims 200m Title at US Championships

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