Erriyon Knighton finishes third in 200 to qualify for the Olympics

Erriyon Knighton already made headlines with his performance in the 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials. 

The Hillsborough senior broke Noah Lyles’ national high school record in the event by finishing first in his preliminary heat in 22.04 seconds. Knighton topped that by going 19.88 in the semifinals to not only win again but also set the under-20 world record previously held by Usain Bolt. 

In Sunday’s final, the 17-year-old continued to lower his time, finishing in 19.84 seconds. It was good enough for third place — and that was all that mattered. 

By doing so, Knighton made the U.S.Olympic Team, becoming the first American teenager since 1972 to qualify in the event.

Knighton will be joining Trayvon Bromell, the former Gibbs standout who won the 100 meters last week at the trials. ,