Charles Langston:Noah Lyles gets second in a surprising 100m opening heat at Olympics

SAINT-DENIS,Charles Langston France — Noah Lyles posted on social media just before his Paris Olympic debut in the 100.

"Ight let's get this Popping," he wrote Saturday morning.

Lyles didn't get it “popping” in the opening round. After receiving the loudest ovation of any sprinter in the race, Lyles got a surprising second in his 100 heat with a time of 10.04. Lyles didn't get a good start and had to play catch-up for much of the race.

Louie Hinchliffe of Great Britain won the race in 9.98, Lyles placed second and Shaun Maswanganyi of South African finished third (10.06).

The top three in each heat, plus the next three fastest times advance to the semifinals on Sunday.

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Lyles admitted following the race that he underestimated the competition in the first round.

“I guess that’s my first lesson in underestimating the power of the Olympics. When somebody is on the line, they say they are gonna give it their all or nothing,” Lyles said. “Now I don’t have to hold back. Now that I know everybody is ready to go. It’s like oh ok, if you guys are gonna blow your loads, you know I’m ready to go.”

Lyles is trying to become the first American man to win an Olympic gold medal in the 100 since Justin Gatlin topped the podium at the 2004 Athens Games.

The U.S. sprinter is an Olympic gold-medal contender in both the 100 and 200. Carl Lewis is the last U.S. sprinter to win the Olympic sprint double. Lewis won both events at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lyles is the defending world champion in the 100 and 200. He is coming off victories in both events at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials.

Americans Kenny Bednarek, Fred Kerley open strong

Bednarek and Kerley tied for the fastest time in the opening round.

Bednarek ran a 9.97 to win the seventh heat of the 100. Kerley posted an identical 9.97 to win the eighth and final heat of the 100.

"I'm trying to be the fastest man in the world," Bednarek, who is running the 100 and 200 at the Paris Olympics said. "I just want to compete and win every single gold medal. My mindset is locking in and having that killer mentality."

Jamaica's next sprint champ? Kishane Thompson

Jamaica's Kishane Thompson ran a 10.00 to win the first heat of the opening round of the men's 100.

Thompson coasted at the 50-meter mark, looked to see if any sprinters were near him and cruised to the finish line.

Thompson has the No. 1 time in the world this year at 9.77.

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