NEW YORK — Nikki Hiltz captured her fourth consecutive 1,500-metre US outdoor title while Noah Lyles and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden cruised into the 200m finals at the US Athletics Championships.
Hiltz won in dramatic fashion, crossing the finish line in 4:06.92 with Addy Wiley .04 of a second behind and Emily Mackay third in 4:06.98.
The 31-year-old Californian has also won four US 1,500m indoor titles in a row, giving Hiltz a US record eight-title streak overall with her victory at New York’s Icahn Stadium.
“I love this city. My mom is from Long Island so I feel like a little part of me is from here,” Hiltz said.
It was her grandmother being in the audience, however, that motivated Hiltz over the final strides.
“She doesn’t come to a lot of meets so I had to perform,” Hiltz said. “That last 50 I told myself this is for grandma.”
Reigning world 200m champion Lyles, a four-time world champion at the distance, advanced to the 200m final by taking his qualifying heat in 20.51 seconds after a Friday night 100m final victory.
“The legs are tired,” Lyles said according to AFP. “But that’s what the prelims are for. By the end of the day I’ll have gotten my rest, seen my medical crew and we’ll be ready for the final.”
Lyles, 29, holds the American 200m record of 19.31 seconds from the 2022 World Championships at Eugene.
