Get to Know 17-Year-Old Olympic Track Star Erriyon Knighton

Erriyon Knighton Started Running Track Just 3 Years Ago

Image Source: Getty / Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency

Former football teammate of Knighton, Jordaan Bailey, spoke with the New York Times about Knighton's rise to track stardom. According to Bailey, Knighton ran so fast during his first catch in football that no one could touch him. Coach Joseph Sipp from Hillsborough High School in Tampa recognized Knighton's talents and got him to shift from football to track.

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Erriyon Knighton Is Sponsored by Adidas

The New York Times reports Knighton relinquished his high school and college athletics eligibility to sign a six-figure deal with Adidas. Meaning he can only run professionally, not on a school team. In the same article it's reported that Knighton uses a portion of the money from the Adidas deal to help his mother financially.

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Erriyon Knighton Beat Usain Bolt's Record at the Olympic Trials Semifinals

Clocking in at 19.88 in the 200m sprint, Knighton beat a Bolt's record of 19.93 according to World Athletics.

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Erriyon Knighton Beat Another Usain Bolt Record at the 200m Semifinals in Tokyo

Image Source: Getty / ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP

Knighton beat Bolt's 18-year record of 20.13 at the 200m semifinals at the Tokyo Olympics by crossing the finish line at 20.02. This win also made Knighton the youngest male Olympian to make the 200m final in 37 years since Jim Ryun in 1964, who was also 17 at the time he raced.

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Erriyon Knighton Is Qualified to Medal at the Tokyo Olympics

Image Source: Getty / Patrick Smith

After winning in the 200m semifinals on Tuesday, Aug. 3, Knighton could medal in the finals on Wednesday, Aug. 4. We're excited to watch him run tomorrow morning!

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