At the Paris 2024 Olympics, world champion Noah Lyles won the men’s 100m final. He finished the race in 9.79 seconds. This was the closest Olympic 100m finish in modern history. Lyles finished just five-thousandths of a second faster than Kishane Thompson from Jamaica.
Both athletes were given the rounded-up time of 9.79 seconds. However, Lyles’ time was noted as 9.784 seconds, while Thompson’s time was 9.789 seconds. This tiny difference secured Lyles the gold medal.
The race was dramatic. Thompson led for most of the race. Spectators and the athletes themselves were shocked by the final result. The photo finish image seemed to show Thompson’s leg crossing the finish line before Lyles. So, why did Lyles win the gold?
Here’s a breakdown of the simple rules of a photo finish in athletics.
Noah Lyles Wins 100m Final at Paris 2024 Olympics
World Athletics, the body governing international athletics, uses a “slit-video” system for photo finishes. This system scans an ultra-thin segment of the track aligned with the finish line. It scans the segment 2,000 times per second. This provides a continuous image of each athlete crossing the line and coordinates it with the athlete’s time.
A backup camera is also used on the other side of the field. This ensures that no runner is hidden or blocked by another. The flash timer that clocks the final times has a margin of error. At worst, this margin of error can be within 0.01 or 0.02 seconds of the official time.
The Controversy
The result of the race is still contentious. Many spectators and analysts question the photo finish result. The image appeared to show Thompson’s leg ahead of Lyles. However, it’s not the position of the legs that counts. The torso’s position is the determining factor in photo finishes.
Lyles’ torso crossed the line first, securing his victory. The photo finish technology is designed to capture this precise moment, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Reaction to the Result
The result was met with mixed reactions. Some fans were thrilled for Lyles, celebrating his remarkable victory. Others were disappointed for Thompson, who ran an excellent race.
Lyles expressed his joy and pride in winning the gold medal. He acknowledged the challenge and praised Thompson for a great performance. Thompson, on the other hand, showed grace and sportsmanship despite the narrow defeat. He congratulated Lyles and vowed to come back stronger.
Looking Forward
This race will be remembered as one of the closest finishes in Olympic history. It highlights the importance of technology in modern athletics. The use of photo finish systems ensures that even the smallest margins are accurately measured.
Noah Lyles’ victory in the 100m final is a testament to his skill and determination. As the world watches, both Lyles and Thompson will continue to push the boundaries of speed and performance.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have provided a platform for incredible athletic feats. The men’s 100m final is a shining example of the excitement and drama that the Games bring. As we look forward to future competitions, the legacy of this race will inspire athletes and fans alike.