Erriyon Knighton breezed to victory in the men’s 200 metres at the Florence Diamond League on Friday.
Teen sensation Knighton crushed the opposition in Italy, crossing the line in a season’s best 19.89 seconds, 0.39sec ahead of nearest challenger Jereem Richards.
“It’s a good time for a season opener, I feel like I did good, could have been better but I’m happy with the result,” Knighton told broadcaster RAI.
Knighton, 19, is a rising star of American sprinting and holds the 200m world records for under-18 and under-20 athletes.
Later world champion Fred Kerley races in the 100m against fellow Americans Marvin Bracey and Trayvon Brommell, who finshed on the podium behind Kerley at Eugene last year.
Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs won’t be racing against Kerley on home turf as he pulled out of the popular event with a back injury as he did in Rabat last week.