By Briasia Russ

Erriyon Knighton made history by becoming the youngest runner to make Team USA since 1964. The Hillsborough High School student won third place at 19.84 in the men’s 200 meter.  

According to Fox 35, Knighton broke Usain Bolt’s 200-meter record for athletes under 18. This resulted in Knighton becoming the fastest qualifier heading into the final.  

17-year-old Erriyon Knighton and @LylesNoah lead the second 200m semi of the night ⚡️@usatf | #TrackFieldTrials21 x #TokyoOlympics

? NBC / https://t.co/X4DjdJu4po pic.twitter.com/336j9Tgtsa

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) June 27, 2021

Starting off in football, Knighton grew a passion for track and field. He originally used to run to build up his speed in football.  

According to Fox 35, Knighton was mindful that he was going to run fast, but he didn’t know he’d be breaking a record.  

“I knew I was going to run fast, but I wasn’t sure that I was going to break the record because it wasn’t something that was on my mind,” he said. “I’m not going to say I knew I was going to win, but I knew I was going to do something better in the 200.”  

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The record breaker will be going to the Tokyo Olympics to play on Team USA.