Athletics-Lyles makes smooth start to 200m bid

World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 - Men's 200m Round 1 - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - September 17, 2025 Noah Lyles of the U.S. celebrates after winning his heat REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

TOKYO (Reuters) -Noah Lyles began his bid for a fourth successive world 200 metres title in relaxed fashion on Wednesday when he cruised through his heat in 19.99 seconds.

However, fellow Americans Kenny Bednarek and Courtney Lindsey, and Botswana's Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo posted reminders that he will have to earn that medal.