Medal table | Olympic schedule | How to watch | Olympic news
The words “photo finish” have never been more applicable than to the end of the men’s 100 meters race with the United States’ Noah Lyles and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.
Lyles won by the closest of margins so close that it appeared to most that Thompson had won. NBC’s play-by-play announcer Leigh Diffey called Thompson the winner in the moment during its broadcast.
NOAH LYLES OLYMPIC DREAM COMES TRUE!100M GOLD MEDALIST. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/qR6bkXLHhE
NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 4, 2024
However, a winner was not immediately declared as replays and photos were being closely scrutinized. The Jamaican sprinter certainly seemed to think he won, until Lyles came over to tell him that the finish was being reviewed.
Director/camera/producer for NBC that kept Thompson and Lyles in the shot as they were waiting for the photo-finish result….well done.@NBCOlympics pic.twitter.com/vMZMJELJyp
Paul Pabst (@PaulPabst) August 4, 2024
Noah Lyles message after winning gold in 100 Meters after a photo finish between Jamaican Thompson AMERICA I TOLD YOU I GOT THIS! ️#NBC #Olympic2024 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/yboW4zxteH
Jeannie (@jeanniebrichett) August 4, 2024
Then the photo and slow-motion replay evidence came in and showed that Lyles was indeed the winner. It was close, so very close. Plenty of comparisons were immediately made: By a hair, by a breath, by the blink of the eye. The photo from the Associated Press captures it perfectly.
Noah Lyles, take a bow. pic.twitter.com/PtIAp0szk1
Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) August 4, 2024
In the aftermath, many viewers fans and media alike criticized NBC for being so quick to call Thompson the winner. Yet the finish was so close and so fast that it’s difficult to blame Diffey for calling a result that to the plain eye looked plausibly correct.
NBC awfully quick to give it to Thompson there
Ken Chia, some guy online (@kcchia80) August 4, 2024
Interesting that NBC track announcers initially called 100 m wrong (quotes because cant really blame them, they were working off naked eye). But they seemed confident Jamaicas Thompson had won. Even after Lyles learned hed won (by photo finish) they said nothing! #Paris2024
jill vejnoska (@ajcjillv) August 4, 2024
Shocked that #NBC ‘s Leigh Diffey announced Kishane Thompson as the winner. It was too close to call. Announcing 101: If you are not 100% sure, wait! Congratulations to Noah Lyles!#ParisOlympics
Cedric (@CHC1969) August 4, 2024
I just watched the NBC call of the Lyles run, omg so badSaid Thompson won and then didnt say a word till 10 seconds after Lyles started celebrating The world feed or whatever was much better. Was watching bc I didnt want other events spoiled but was curious on nbc call
Hookah Doncic Fan Club (@MavsAllTheTime) August 4, 2024
NBC thought it was Thompson all the way until Lyles celebrated and then no times were ever shown on the screen??? Just really bad stuff marring an incredible race https://t.co/umagWOcBFl
Mary Clarke (@marycclarke) August 4, 2024