Phyllis Francis Breaks Meet Record and Josephus Lyles Gets First Pro Win

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

Both Phyllis Francis and Josephus Lyles came away with wins at the International Meeting Sport e Solidarietà in Lignano, Italy on Wednesday, according to an IAAF release.

Francis, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 4x400 relay, won the women's 400 meters in a meet record 50.86. Jessica Beard, running in the B final, ran the second fastest time of the day in 51.42.

This was Francis' second win since she finished second at the USATF Outdoor Championships in a personal best 49.96. She has qualified for the IAAF World Outdoor Championships next month.

Lyles is in his first year as a professional after he and his older brother signed with adidas out of high school last summer. Lignano proved to be the site of his first professional win.

Lyles narrowly beat World Championships qualifier Wil London, 45.42 to 45.45. It was a personal best for Lyles who ran 45.46 to finish second at the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships.

Lyles finished second in the 400 meters at the USATF Junior Outdoor Championships to qualify for the Pan American Junior Championships later this month in Lima, Peru.