Tampa native just misses a medal at Tokyo Olympics
August 4, 2021 - Teen phenom and Tampa native Erriyon Knighton just missed the podium in his Olympic debut, finishing fourth in the 200-meter final Wednesday morning. The 17-year-old clocked a time of 19.93, finishing behind teammates Noah Lyles (19.74) and Kenneth Bednarek (19.68), with Andre De Grasse of Canada (19.62) taking home the gold. The prodigy became the youngest U.S. male Olympic athlete in 57 years. Knighton began running track at Hillsborough High School less than three years ago at the urging of a football coach. The four-star recruit as a wide receiver reluctantly agreed, and Wednesday morning his classmates and teachers gathered to watch him make history. Knighton holds the under-20 world record previously held by legendaryJamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, at a blistering 19.84.