17-years old, Erriyon Knighton just became the youngest ever man to qualify for the 200m final at the Olympics

What’s more, the American stormed his heat, cruising to victory and inspiring hopes of a medal on Wednesday.

Having registered 19.84 in June, the teenager is officially the fourth-fastest man in the field, making a place on the podium a genuine possibility.

Bolt’s legendary world record time of 19.19 is probably safe at these Games – but for how much longer?

The Jamaican, who won an astonishing eight gold medals over three Olympics, has already seen one of his many records broken by Knighton.

Earlier this year, the American ran 19.88 in the Olympic trials, setting a new junior world record for an Under-18 – which he has since broken himself.

The previous mark had stood for 17 years, set by a 17-year-old Bolt in 2004, which means we can loosely say that Knighton is faster than the Jamaican was at this age.

Moreover, Knighton was barely trying as he crossed the line at the trials, begging the question of what the American might be capable of if he sprints through the finish.

And if it’s not this year, many expect the youngster to step into the big shoes of Bolt one day in the future.

Knighton certainly has the personality to match the larger-than-life character that went alongside the Jamaican’s incredible achievements on the track.

Don’t forget, Bolt was 21 when he arrived at Beijing 2008 – and Knighton is already ahead of that iconic curve.

posted Tuesday August 3rd
by Sean O´Brien