Elijan Knighton: “No one is invincible and no record is unbeatable”

Erriyon Knighton (January 29, 2004) is a current star (U20 world record holder) and a future star in North American and World Track and Field 200m. Bronze medalist at Eugene 2022 (earliest long distance medalist in history), silver medalist at Budapest 2023 and youngest Star-Spangled Nation to compete at first Olympics since Jim Ryun in 1964 player (he was 17 years old and finished fourth in Tokyo), The sprinter from Tampa (191 cm and 77 kg) participated exclusively in the AS event held at the adidas Travel House Located on the left bank of the Danube River, in the Buda region of Hungary’s capital.

-Congratulations on winning the silver medal. How did you feel after your success in Budapest?

-Thanks. I feel great and happy to go home with a silver medal. I’ve won two Oregon bronze medals. I trained really hard and took care of my body to get to this point.

-Do you think it’s possible to beat Noah Lyles in the future?

-Yes, everything is possible. Anyone can be defeated, no one is invincible. It had to be done and I had to convince myself that I could beat him in order to do it. Like records, they can be broken.

-You have had disagreements in the past… How is your relationship with Noah now?

-I don’t have any problems with him. When we play, we basically try to bring out the best in each other. Off the track, I’ll tell you we’re almost friends. We are different: we live in different cities, different cultures… but it’s all good.

-Another thing they have in common is that they are aiming to beat Usain Bolt’s 19.19. Do you think it’s possible for any of them to pull this off?

-Right now, I’m doing the best I can do at my age. Of course I want it. Of course, it’s a common goal, like becoming the most dominant athlete in the 200 meters.

-Why did you start running?

-I do it because I have to be in good shape for American football games. After a while, I chose athletics over football. At first, to be honest, I just wanted to have fun on the track. If I looked back, say three years, I probably wouldn’t have imagined that I would be where I am now. I appreciate it. Two world medals, what more could I dream of.

-You are an introvert and shy person. Just a few words. Very confrontational with other speed stars…

-Maybe this will change over time, I don’t know, but right now I feel like it’s just me. I like to take to the track in a more humble way and show everyone what I can do through running. Suffice to say, many athletes appear more excited at the start and at the finish line.

“I’m only 19, I still have a long way to go, I’m personally in no rush to do anything”

-He has a habit of breaking precocity records. Does this put extra pressure on a 19-year-old boy?

-Yes, I am only 19 years old. I think I still have a long way to go in this sport and, personally, I’m not in a rush to do anything. I’ve won two world medals and I’m an under-20 athlete.

– The Olympics will be held in 2024. Do you dream about that nugget of gold?

-of course. I’ll try my best to get it. My main goal is to win an Olympic medal… but everyone strives for first place and everyone wants to get a gold medal in Paris.

-Do you practice or watch other sports?

-No, I don’t really want to do anything else other than what I’m doing. I have no references in other sports either.

– What shoes to wear during competition?

-Adidas Adizero Finesse, the latest model.

-Last one, what is your biggest dream in life?

-My dream and goal is to become the most dominant sprinter in my event. If I can continue to add metal to the World Cup and get a few Olympic medals, I think I’ll be satisfied.