Bislett Games 2023 - Oslo Diamond League: Knighton captures 200m, Olympic champ de Grasse fifth

Erriyon Knighton cruised to victory on Thursday (15 June) night at the Bislett Games 2023 Oslo Diamond League, clocking a meeting record of 19.77, the American's season best 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, Andre De Grasse of Canada, finished in fifth with a 20.33.

Reynier Mena of Cuba was second at 20.09, with Knighton's U.S. teammate Joseph Fahnbulleh third at 20.23.

Knighton started well and led at 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); 19.85 (6 June); 19.77 on Thursday.

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Bislett Games 2023 - Oslo Diamond League

Men's 200m - results

1. Erriyon Knighton (USA) - 19.77 (meet record; season best)
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.