Erryon Knighton cruised to victory on Thursday (15 June) night at the Bislett Games 2023 Oslo Diamond Leagueclocking a meeting record of 19.77, the American’s best season so far in 2023.
The record was previously held by three-time Olympic champion in the 200m, Usain Bolt.
The reigning Olympic champion in the 200m, André de Grasse of Canada, finished in fifth with a 20.33.
Reynier Mena of Cuba was second at 20.09, with Knighton’s US teammate Joseph Fahnbulleh third at 20.23.
Knighton started well and led the turn, holding a comfortable lead over a competitive field and winning by some 0.32 seconds.
“I came and won it as I said I would,” Knighton said after the race. “I am pleased to take the meeting record from Usain Bolt, but I want to make a name for myself at the Diamond League and to be remembered going forward as the meeting record holder.”
He added: “I need to keep my body strong, but I don´t want to be too bulky as I am not used to running like that. My goal at the World Champs [in August in Budapest] is to be on the podium but I hope I can win it.”
Knighton won bronze at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in the 200m, becoming the youngest man to win a sprint medal in Worlds history at age 18.
His two-week European trip produced three 200m wins, while his times also got progressively faster: 19.89 (2 June); 7:85 p.m. (June 6); 19.77 on Thursday.
Bislett Games 2023 – Oslo Diamond League
Men’s 200m – results
1. Erriyon Knighton (USA) – 19.77 (meet record; best season)
2. Reynier Mena (CUB) – 20.09
3. Joseph Fahnbulleh (USA) 20.23
4. Alexander Ogando (DOM) – 20.27
5. Andre de Grasse (CAN) – 20.33
6. Joshua Hartmann (GER) – 20.39
7. Mouhamadou Fall (FRA) – 20.65
8. Luxolo Adams (RSA) – 20.79
See the full Diamond League results here.