Noah Lyles joined a four-man pantheon on Friday night when he won the 200m title to complete a sprint double at the world athletics championships in Budapest.

Only Maurice Greene, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Usain Bolt have achieved the exploit in the 40-year history of the event.

Lyles' victory notched up a third consecutive 200m title to approach Bolt's feat of four crowns between 2009 and 2015.

On a night of increasing humidity, the 26-year-old American stormed through the finishing line in 19.52 seconds. Compatriot Erriyon Knighton was second and Letsile Tebogo from Botswana claimed the bronze.

"I could talk a lot about not having pressure," said Lyles. "But of course there's going to be pressure no matter what. The 200m is different from the 100m - that is fun. But the 200m is personal. It is where I've learned how to race and this is my third championships.

"I knew that I had many guys coming out with the idea of taking this from me. And to be honest, they have the ability to do that. I don't believe in deserving to win anymore. You take the win. And today I had to take that win again."

Minutes before Lyles etched himself into legend, his compatriot Sha'Carri Richardson was thwarted in her attempt to enter the same realm.

Shericka Jackson from Jamaica retained her 200m title in a championship record time of 21.41 seconds.

The 29-year-old Jamaican cruised to glory at the National Athletics Centre ahead of the American duo of Gabrielle Thomas and Richardson.

The 28-year-old Venezuelan then had to wait for the other competitors to attempt to eclipse her mark. They all failed.

Read more on RFI English

Read also:
Achilles injury forces French decathlete Mayer to quit Budapest event
Martin and Perez complete historic walk double with victories in 35km race
Jamaica and Spain rise high at Budapest world champiosnhips