The Adidas Atlanta City Games promised electrifying sprint action, with Erriyon Knighton listed as one of the marquee names for the men’s 100m event.
But when race time arrived, the 21-year-old American star was nowhere to be seen on the starting line.
A Bewildering No-Show
Knighton’s withdrawal was especially puzzling because he’d been spotted warming up on race day and participating in practice sessions just the day before. Speculation swirled online and within the athletics community, with concerns ranging from injury to personal matters. But it turned out to be a far less dramatic, though equally frustrating. A “DNS” (Did Not Start) next to his name, caused by scheduling mishap.
Track and field analyst Anderson Emerole, via his YouTube channel The Final Leg Track & Field, shed light on the incident.
“Unfortunately, there was just a mix-up of the time. It seems like he misidentified when he was supposed to run,” Emerole explained.
Another Setback in a Challenging Season
This incident follows another recent disappointment for Knighton. Earlier this month, he was also forced to withdraw from the World Relays in China after a last-minute visa delay. The sprinter reportedly received his travel clearance just days before the event, making it logistically impossible to participate.
These consecutive setbacks have left fans wondering about Knighton’s rhythm in a season that holds significant importance, especially with the World Championships in Tokyo fast approaching.
Where Does Knighton Go From Here?
Despite the recent hiccups, Erriyon Knighton’s career trajectory remains one of the most exciting in global athletics. At just 21, he’s a two-time World Championship medalist, the 2023 U.S. 200m champion, and the holder of a blistering 19.49-second personal best, placing him in the rarefied air alongside sprint legends like Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles.
The road ahead sees Knighton gearing up for high-profile meets including Diamond League stops in Rabat, and Continental Tour events in Tokyo and Zagreb. These races will serve as crucial tests of both his form and focus heading into the World Championships.
