The 29-year-old American announced the decision on Friday in a social media video, explaining that a small strain sustained at the USATF Outdoor Championships in late July had triggered further complications.
“Unfortunately, I come with some not great news. Me and my coach have decided that we’re going to end my 2026 season due to injury,” Lyles said. “It’s been kind of complicated. We thought it was very simple. Unfortunately, after running at USAs, we found out that I had a small strain, not very serious, and the rehab that we were putting together was going extremely well. Unfortunately, because of the strain, it caused some other things to flare up, and it’s made it hard for me to continue practising. We decided that we’ll just end the season here, get ready for 2027, 2028, which are going to be humongous years.”
Lyles had produced one of the highlights of the American season when he won the national 100m title in New York in a world-leading 9.79 seconds, equalling his personal best from the Paris Olympics. Two days later, however, he pulled up in the 200m final after feeling a “grabbing sensation” in his hamstring. At the time he described the issue as “somewhat of a cramp” and expected a swift recovery.
The subsequent rehabilitation process initially progressed well, but secondary problems emerged that prevented consistent high-level training. With the World Athletics Ultimate Championships — a new year-end showcase event featuring Olympic and world champions — scheduled for 11-13 September in Budapest, Lyles and his coach opted against risking further damage.
Despite withdrawing from competition, Lyles confirmed he will still travel to Hungary. “I am still going to be at the Ultimate Championship. I still do have parties to throw and things to do behind the scenes to help support the athletes,” he said. “I still think that this is going to be an amazing competition, and I’m excited to watch that.”
The decision ends a truncated 2026 campaign for one of track and field’s most high-profile stars. Lyles had already limited his 200m appearances this year, with a season’s best of 19.91 ranking him outside the absolute top of the global lists. His focus now shifts to a full recovery ahead of the 2027 World Championships in Beijing and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he will defend his 100m title on home soil.
As the reigning Olympic champion and a multiple world gold medallist, Lyles remains one of the central figures in global sprinting. His absence from Budapest removes a major draw from the new Ultimate Championships, but the American has prioritised long-term health over short-term competition.
Supporters and fellow athletes will now wait to see a fully fit Lyles return in 2027, when the major championship cycle resumes in earnest.