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Noah Lyles, the newly crowned Olympic 100m champion, effortlessly advanced to the 200m semifinals at the Stade de France on Monday. Lyles, who triumphed in the 100m by a mere five-thousandths of a second over Jamaican Kishane Thompson, dominated his 200m heat with a time of 20.19 seconds.Despite a sluggish start, Lyles surged ahead as he rounded the bend, showcasing his exceptional control. The triple world 200m champion expressed his contentment with his performance, stating, "I was up by seven. My body has this clock that wakes up at seven because that's when I practice every day."Lyles, who will also compete for gold in the 4x100m relay, emphasized his preference for the 200m, describing it as "my favorite race because I feel it shows all my abilities." He elaborated, "I spent years working on the 100m, but the 200 is where it's at. This is where I get to show my speed, endurance, and top-end speed. This is where I get to show I'm stronger than everybody else."Lyles' Jamaican partner, Junelle Bromfield, also qualified for the women's 400m semifinals on the couple's two-year anniversary. Lyles expressed his admiration for Bromfield, who was a former training partner of Thompson.Joining Lyles in the 200m semifinals as heat winners were fellow 100m finalists Letsile Tebogo of Botswana (20.10 seconds) and American Kenny Bednarek (19.96 seconds). Tebogo, who finished sixth in the 100m with a national record of 9.86 seconds, acknowledged the importance of moving on from the disappointment.Tebogo highlighted the more forgiving nature of the 200m compared to the 100m, stating, "The 100m is more of a tactical race. You have to get everything correct from the block, to your running, even timing your dip. It's a lot of tactics. In the 200m, you know you've got 200m to go, where you can correct a silly mistake along the way."Another American, Erriyon Knighton, a silver and bronze medalist at the past two world championships, topped another heat in 19.99 seconds. Canada's Andre de Grasse, the defending champion and silver medalist at the Rio Games, also qualified, clocking 20.30 seconds behind Lyles.South Africa's 400m world record holder and gold medalist in Rio, Wayde van Niekerk, advanced after finishing third in his heat, won by Liberia's Joseph Fahnbulleh.

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulting sensation, has once again etched his name in the annals of sporting history by breaking his own world record and securing the Olympic gold medal in Paris.In a thrilling climax to the fifth day of track and field at the Stade de France, Duplantis soared over the bar set at an astonishing 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous best of 6.24m set in April. The crowd of 69,000 erupted in thunderous applause as the 24-year-old star shattered the world record by 1cm.Duplantis's triumph was not only a testament to his exceptional athleticism but also a display of his unwavering determination. It marked the ninth time the US-born Swede had broken the record, cementing his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time.In the competition, American Sam Kendricks claimed the silver medal with a best of 5.95m, while Greece's Emmanouil Karalis took bronze (5.90) on countback. Duplantis's gold medal made him the first man to retain the pole vault title since American Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956.After his historic victory, Duplantis celebrated in a unique way, mimicking the shooting pose of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who had gone viral on social media for his casual celebration after winning a silver medal in the Paris Games. Dikec himself took to Twitter to congratulate Duplantis, adding to the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display.Duplantis described his record-breaking performance as an "out-of-body experience." He expressed his gratitude for the support of the crowd, saying, "The biggest dream since a kid was to break the world record at the Olympics, and I've been able to do that in front of the most ridiculous crowd I've ever competed in front of."As he made an emotional lap of the track, draped in the Swedish flag and with Abba's "Dancing Queen" playing in the background, Duplantis rang the victory bell, symbolizing another exceptional display from the irrepressible young athlete.Duplantis's victory was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of national pride for Sweden. The country's Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, tweeted, "Congratulations to Armand Duplantis on his fantastic world record and Olympic gold! What an incredible achievement!"The Swedish pole vaulting star's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. His record-breaking performance in Paris will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin, is poised to defend his Olympic title at the upcoming Paris Games. The reigning world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist will embark on his quest for a second consecutive Olympic gold on Tuesday at the iconic Stade de France.Chopra's journey to Paris has been marked by consistency and determination. Despite a minor abductor issue that forced him to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike, he has showcased his prowess with a season-best throw of 88.36m at the Doha Diamond League. He also claimed gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97m.Chopra's main rival in Paris is Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, who currently holds the top spot in the men's javelin throw rankings. Vadlejch defeated Chopra in the Diamond League in the lead-up to the Summer Games and is a strong contender for gold.Another threat to Chopra's title is Anderson Peters of Grenada, the two-time world champion. Peters has recovered from an injury-marred 2023 season and has a best throw of 86.62m in 2024. His career-best throw of 93.07m remains unmatched by any of the javelin throwers competing in Paris.European champion Julian Weber of Germany is also a formidable opponent. With a personal best of 89.54m, Weber has consistently thrown over 85m in all five competitions he has participated in this season.Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who won silver at the World Championships last year, is another athlete to watch. Nadeem has a personal best of 90.18m, but has yet to cross the 85m mark this season.As Chopra prepares to defend his Olympic crown, he will face a formidable field of rivals. However, his unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong favorite to add another golden chapter to India's athletics history.

Paris, the heart of the 2024 Olympics, reverberates with the global spirit of track and field. Amidst the 80,000-strong crowd at the Stade de France, athletes from diverse nations converge, united by their passion for sport.Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion, returns to the javelin throw arena, his presence transcending national boundaries. From Tokyo to Paris, Chopra's journey has transformed him into a global icon, inspiring athletes and fans alike.Max Dehning, a rising star from Germany, acknowledges Chopra's impact on the sport. "He brought more attention to javelin throw and athletics," Dehning says. "He is one of the most famous athletes there is."Chopra's affability and kindness have endeared him to fellow athletes. Ukraine's Kokhan Mykhaylo, a bronze medalist in hammer throw, recalls their interactions in international meets. "He's a good guy. He's very kind. You can always talk with him," Mykhaylo says.Chopra's dedication to his craft is evident in his training regimen. He spends significant time away from home, seeking optimal conditions for his preparation. Like Mykhaylo, who trains in Turkey, Chopra often visits Antalya for training.As Chopra embarks on his Paris Olympics campaign, the world eagerly anticipates his performance. Mykhaylo, having achieved his medal, extends his support to the Indian star. "I wish him good, good luck to secure his Olympic title here," Mykhaylo says.Chopra's journey in Paris is a testament to the global reach of the Olympics and the transformative power of sport. His presence on the world stage inspires millions, showcasing the aspirations and achievements of athletes from all corners of the globe.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in athletics, is poised to defend his Olympic title at the Paris Games 2024. The reigning Olympic champion arrived in Paris last month, ready to make his mark on the world stage once again.Chopra is an integral part of the 29-member Indian athletics contingent at the Summer Games. The Indian team will be hoping to add to the nation's medal tally in the 16 athletics events at the Paris Olympics.Athletics events at the Summer Olympics commenced on August 1, with all track and field events taking place at the iconic Stade de France in Paris. Chopra will be joined by Kishore Jena in the men's javelin competition. Jena won a silver medal for India at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, finishing behind Chopra.Chopra's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by remarkable achievements. He won India's first-ever Olympic gold in athletics at the Tokyo Games, followed by the Diamond League title in 2022 and the Asian Games gold medal in 2023.The reigning world champion in javelin throw is set to kickstart his campaign at the Paris Games 2024 this week. Chopra will headline the javelin throw event on Tuesday (August 6), with the qualification round getting underway at 1:50 pm. The Group A action will be followed by Group B at 3:20 pm on the same day.If Chopra advances from the qualification round, he will defend his gold medal in the final. The men's final of the javelin throw is scheduled to begin at 11:55 pm IST on August 8 (Sunday). Chopra and Jena will lead India's charge in the summit clash.Indian fans can watch the live broadcast of the Paris Olympics 2024 on multiple channels of the Sports18 Network. Sports18 1 and Sports18 1 HD are broadcasting the Paris Olympics in English, while Tamil and Telugu options are also available. Sports18 Khel and Sports18 2 are presenting the Summer games in Hindi.The Paris Olympics 2024 is also available for a livestream on the JioCinema app and website. Fans can watch the live stream of multiple events free of cost in India.

Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion, has etched his name in the annals of Olympic history by claiming the coveted men's 100m gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. In a thrilling photo finish, Lyles emerged victorious by a mere five-thousandths of a second, becoming the fastest man on the planet.Lyles' triumph was the culmination of a remarkable journey that began with a sluggish start in the semi-finals. Despite being behind British sprinter Louie Hinchliffe, Lyles' determination and showmanship shone through. With his signature sunglasses, hat, and mask, he captivated the crowd and sent a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with.In the final, Lyles faced a formidable challenge from Jamaica's Oblique Seville, who had given him a "death stare" in the semi-finals. However, Lyles remained unfazed and executed a flawless dip at the finish line, edging out Thompson by the narrowest of margins.Lyles' victory marked the closest-ever Olympic 100m final, with both him and Thompson clocking in at 9.79 seconds. The American's time of 9.784 seconds ultimately separated him from Thompson's 9.789 seconds. American Fred Kerley claimed the bronze medal in 9.81 seconds, while South Africa's Akani Simbini finished fourth.Lyles' triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He now sets his sights on becoming the first sprinter since Usain Bolt to win both the 100m and 200m events at the Olympics. Bolt, the undisputed sprint king, holds the world records for both events and has won eight Olympic gold medals.Lyles' victory in Paris has reignited the debate about whether he can match Bolt's legendary status. While Bolt's 100m Olympic record of 9.63 seconds remains untouched, Lyles' potential to create his own legacy is undeniable. The Paris Games will undoubtedly provide another thrilling chapter in the rivalry between these two exceptional sprinters.

India's disappointing performance at the Paris Games athletics continued on Sunday as national record holders Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin failed to qualify for the women's 3000m steeplechase and men's long jump, respectively.Parul finished eighth in her heat race and 21st overall, ending her campaign in the Paris Olympics. Despite undergoing high-altitude training in the USA, she ran the distance in 9 minutes 23.39 seconds, her season's best but well below her national mark of 9:15.31. The top five from each of the three heat races qualified for the final.Parul's failure to qualify adds to India's disappointing performance in the women's 5000m race, where she and Ankita Dhyani also failed to advance. Lalita Babar remains the only Indian woman 3000m steeplechaser to qualify for the final round in the Olympics, finishing 10th in Rio 2016.In the men's long jump qualification round, Aldrin fouled his first two attempts before managing a jump of 7.61m in the third. He finished 13th in Group B qualification and 26th overall. Only athletes who jumped the automatic qualification mark of 8.15m or were among the 12 best performers advanced to the final round.Aldrin, who has not been able to touch 8m this year, made it to the Paris Games at the last minute through world rankings. His season best is 7.99m, while his personal best is 8.42m.India's poor showing in athletics at the Paris Games is a cause for concern, as the country has traditionally been strong in the sport. The failure of national record holders to qualify for the finals is a reflection of the need for improved training and support for Indian athletes.

Femke Bol's astonishing anchor leg propelled the Dutch quartet to a historic mixed 4x400m relay gold at the Paris Olympics, etching their names in the annals of track and field. The Dutch team, comprising Eugene Omalla, Lieke Klaver, Isaya Klein Ikkink, and the indomitable Bol, shattered the European record with a blistering time of 3min 07.43sec.Bol's final lap was a masterclass in speed and determination. Clocking a stunning 47.93sec, she erased the bitter memory of her fall at last year's world championships in Budapest, where she handed the gold to the United States."I hoped to run that fast some time, but in the relay, you never look too much at split times," said Bol. "It's more about putting it together as a team and technically racing it well. I just went for it. We just wanted a medal this time, we didn't think it would be gold, just a medal. Well, we got gold and are the Olympic champions. It is absolutely crazy for a small country like ours."The US quartet, led by Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown, had dominated the race until Bol's electrifying surge. The near-capacity Stade de France erupted in a frenzy as Bol overtook Brown just 10 meters from the finish line, securing a famous victory for the Netherlands.Bol's triumph is a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. Having suffered a dramatic fall in Budapest, she channeled her anger and frustration into an unforgettable performance in Paris. "Just keep going, keep going," she said of her thoughts in the final 100 meters. "And my general anger from Budapest! That and my teammates cheering me. And the atmosphere in this stadium is absolutely incredible. It's crazy. So everything together."Bol's victory keeps her bid for three Olympic golds on track. She will compete in the 400m hurdles on Sunday and the women's 4x400m relay later in the week. Her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit make her a formidable force in the world of athletics.

The United States shattered the world record in the heats of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics on Friday, setting a blistering pace that sent shockwaves through the competition. The quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown clocked an astonishing 3min 07.41sec, obliterating the previous best of 3:08.80 set by the US at the World Championships in Budapest last year.Vernon Norwood, the lead-off runner, emphasized the importance of executing flawless hand-offs. "We wanted to come out here and execute good hand-offs," Norwood said. "We set the tone for the rest of the United States with that world record."Shamier Little, the second leg, echoed Norwood's sentiments. "We have a really good group of guys and gals," Little said. "I'm just really excited, first of all for our record, and that's only in the prelim, so it's only up from here."Bryce Deadmon, the third leg, described the electrifying atmosphere at the Stade de France, where a sell-out crowd of 69,000 cheered them on. "It was completely different compared to Tokyo in 2021 just for the simple fact that we have fans out here," Deadmon said. "I was running down the curve and I was like, 'Ah damn, it's kind of loud in here.' It's a great experience. I'm excited to see what the rest of the Games are going to bring."Kaylyn Brown, the anchor leg, brought the baton home in record-breaking fashion. "It was an amazing feeling," Brown said. "I knew I had to give it my all for the team, and I'm so proud of what we accomplished today."The US team's world record performance not only set a new benchmark but also inspired other nations to push their limits. France, Belgium, and Jamaica all set national records in the same heat, finishing in second, third, and fourth places, respectively. Britain won the second heat in another national record time of 3:10.61, ahead of the Netherlands and Italy.The mixed relay, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, has quickly become a fan favorite. Poland won gold in Tokyo, followed by the Dominican Republic and the US. The final of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics is scheduled for Saturday at 1855 GMT.