Athletics world championships rocked by scary incident as Noah Lyles makes statement
Noah Lyles and Andrew Hudson were left stunned at the bizarre incident.
The athletics world championships was rocked after a golf cart carrying 100m and 200m champion Noah Lyles and rival Andrew Hudson collided with another vehicle only moments before the semi-final race. Lyles has proven he is the sprint king having stayed on course for a double gold in Budapest when he clocked 19.76 in the 200m semi-final.
However, there was bizarre drama before the race even took place when Hudson appeared to get glass in his eye when his golf cart collided with another before the semi-final. Aerial footage shows one golf cart coming down from an off-ramp, before colliding into a separate cart with Lyles and Hudson onboard.
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Lyles said he was fine, but attention immediately turned to Hudson who appeared to cop glass in his eye. "Thankfully, I have no issues. But unfortunately, Andrew Hudson did seem to get some glass in his eye," Lyle told broadcaster NBC.
"This was the hold up. Everybody was really worried about him. We just wanted to make sure he had his fair chance to run."
Footage showed Hudson clutching at his eye immediately after the incident. The 200m sprinter lined-up for the race, but was clearly in pain from the bizarre drama. And the officials opted to move Hudson through to the final in lane one because of his disadvantage.
While Hudson appears fine and will race Friday, fans were left absolutely stunned at the pre-match incident. Many felt for Hudson after the race was delayed more than 20 minutes with sprinters not taking to the track on time.
What in the world was this??
A buggy collision with the 200m athletes, including Noah Lyles.#Budapest2023 #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/yDgTSWpIzf— Blaynos (@Blaynos14) August 24, 2023
So this just happened at the Athletics World Championships in Budapest. The cart carrying Noah Lyles, Andrew Hudson and Luxolo Adams, among others, was involved in an accident on the way to the track. Look both ways man!😱#Budapest2023#WorldAthleticsChamps@WorldAthletics pic.twitter.com/ihJfOrfgLq
— Wim Pretorius (@Wimster101) August 24, 2023
First heat of the men's 200m semi-finals is delayed after this shunt between two golf buggies. Jamaican Andrew Hudson is holding his head. Race due to start in one minute but no athletes on the track yet https://t.co/bXXUsi2mJl
— Sean Ingle (@seaningle) August 24, 2023
Noah Lyles on track for double gold
Lyles appears unstoppable at the moment having taken the world championships by storm. The American already delivered 100m gold earlier in the week when he recorded a jaw-dropping 9.83 time in the final.
Lyles is a 200m specialist and struggled to qualify for the 100m nationals team before the championships due to Covid. However, Lyles has shown he will be the one to beat at next year's Olympics in Paris with a potential 100m and 200m crown to defend.
"I am here for three golds. Ticked off one, others are coming," the confident sprinter said after the race. Lyles said the 100m was the event he knew he would fight for, but said the fun will start with the 200m event.
What a 200m final incoming 🤩#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/7IrXpCCuE8
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 24, 2023
And it showed with Lyles clear favourite to win the 200m having slowed down at the 150m mark on Thursday to coast to the finish line. Lyles showed sportsmanship after the race to go and check on Hudson, who was clearly in pain on the ground after the sprint.
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