Why Noah Lyles won gold in men's 100m despite Kishane Thompson's foot crossing finish line first

Noah Lyles was awarded gold in the men's 100m final despite Kishane Thompson's foot crossing the finish line first. Here's why.

Sunday's men's 100m final didn't disappoint as Olympic viewers were treated to a stunning spectacle at the Stade de France.

US sprint star Lyles pipped Jamaica's Thompson by the finest of margins to secure the gold medal in a photo finish at the 2024 Olympics.

That's despite Thompson's foot crossing the finish line first as he led most of the race.

Lyles, however, pulled it back in the second half of the race as he produced a remarkable finish, leaning with his chest.

The clock stops when the athlete's torso crosses the line NOT the first body part.

Ultimately the difference was the 27-year-old leaning with his chest while Thompson subtly concaved his chest.

The dramatic finish to the men's 100m final at the 2024 Olympics. Image: Getty

After the race, Lyles himself thought his rival had done enough to win gold.

"I did think [Thompson] had it at the end. I went up to him while we were waiting, and said 'I think you’ve got that, good going', and then my name popped up and I'm like 'oh my gosh, I'm amazing'." he explained.

"I'm going to be honest, I wasn't ready to see it and that's the first time I've ever said that. I wasn't ready to see it."

The American, who will also be aiming for gold in the men's 200m, added: "You couldn't have asked for a bigger moment.

"I had to take every round as it was and I was a little upset after the first round, so I came with the aggression and... I ran 9.83 [in the semi-final].

"I hope you guys like Noah because I've got a lot more coming!"

Lyles will be back in action tonight in the men's 200m heats.