Richardson Returned to Winning Form Following Injury Setbacks, While Lyles Matched His Personal Best to Claim His Third U.S. Men’s 100-Meter Championship
Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles returned to the top of the podium Friday night, capturing the women’s and men’s 100-meter titles at the 2026 U.S. Track and Field Championships in New York.
Richardson overcame a slow start to finish in 10.77 seconds at Icahn Stadium, pulling away from training partner Kayla White to win by 0.13 seconds.
The victory gave the 26-year-old Richardson her third U.S. national championship in the 100 meters and marked a significant step forward after injuries disrupted her previous season.
“It feels phenomenal to be back in a better place … healthy, mentally, physically, emotionally,” Richardson said, according to ESPN. “It shows that hard work pays off.”
Sha’Carri Richardson Returns to Winning Form
Richardson’s performance continued her return to elite form after she won the 100-meter world championship in 2023 and earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her national title also provided another indication that she is regaining momentum ahead of the next World Athletics Championships.
SHA'CARRI'S GOT SPEED. 💨
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2026
Sha'Carri Richardson earns her THIRD NATIONAL TITLE in the women's outdoor 100m!
📺 USATF National Championships on Peacock & NBCSN pic.twitter.com/08YpBRy4fa
Lyles delivered a similar comeback in the men’s final, rallying after trailing during the early portion of the race.
The reigning Olympic champion surged past the field and crossed the finish line in 9.79 seconds, matching his personal best. Ronnie Baker finished second, while Kenny Bednarek placed third.
“I did what I do,” Lyles said. “There’s no better rush than winning.”
Noah Lyles Claims Third U.S. 100-Meter Championship
The victory gave Lyles his third national championship in the 100 meters, although the 200 meters has traditionally been considered his signature event.
Following the race, Lyles signed a trading card featuring his image and said he planned to give it to a special fan.
The sprinter has also experienced an eventful year away from competition. He married earlier this year and recently attended a FIFA World Cup match, where he took photographs with sprint legend Usain Bolt.
Despite matching his personal best and claiming another national championship, Lyles suggested his strongest performances may still be ahead.
“Shoot, I was just playing around this year,” he said. “I’m scared for y’all next year.”
