US track star Noah Lyles will be competing in the men’s 100m at the Stade de France on Sunday.
AFP Sport highlights five standout athletes on the fourth day of the athletics programme.
Men’s 100m – Final
Noah Lyles admitted to underestimating the “power of an Olympics” as he finished second in his heat on Saturday.
The American won three sprint gold medals at the Budapest world championships last year and is eager to perform well at the Olympic stage.
Lyles is determined to improve on his bronze medal in the 200m from the Tokyo Games three years ago, and is aiming for multiple gold medals in Paris.
His journey starts with tough competition in the 100m event, with semi-finals leading up to the final which will determine Lyles’ success for the week.
Women’s high jump – Final
Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the current world record holder, faces high expectations going into the final, alongside teammates Iryna Gerashchenko.
Mahuchikh is focused on delivering a strong performance to lift the spirits of Ukrainians amidst ongoing challenges in the country. However, Australian athletes Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson are strong contenders in the event.
Olyslagers, the silver medallist from Tokyo, has shown promising form and could challenge Mahuchikh for the top spot.
Women’s 400m hurdles
Olympic gold medallist and world record-holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is set to defend her title in the 400m hurdles event in Paris. The American athlete, in top form after breaking her world record at the US trials, aims to extend her unbeaten streak.
McLaughlin-Levrone faces tough competition from reigning world champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who has also been performing exceptionally well leading up to the Olympics.
Women’s 200 metres
Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, the reigning world champion in the 200m event, is eyeing her first individual Olympic gold medal. Despite concerns about her fitness, Jackson is focused on her preferred event and will be challenged by Gabby Thomas of the United States.
Men’s 110m hurdles
American Grant Holloway, a three-time world champion and second-fastest man in history in the 110m hurdles, aims to secure his first Olympic gold medal in Paris. Holloway’s impressive form makes him a strong contender for the top spot in the event.
