Photo by Doug McDannald

One of the most impressive performances during the morning session of day one at the 2015 World Youth Championships in Cali, Columbia came from Jospehus Lyles during the preliminary round of the 400m.

Despite having one of the slowest reaction times, the junior from Alexandria, V.A. was the day’s top qualifier, running 46.26 out of heat six.

Colombia’s Anthony Jose Zambrano used the home crowd to help him reach a personal best time of 46.27, winning heat two with the second fastest qualifying time.

Lyles teammate, Keshun Reed of Arlington T.X., who ran 45.75 earlier this year, was able to win heat five with 46.98.

The 400m semifinal takes place on July 16 at 6:40pm EST. The final will begin the following day at 9:25pm EST.

Lyles will also compete in the 200m with the event’s preliminary round starting on July 17 at 12:35pm EST.

Despite the 200m prelims and 400m final being on the same day, Lyles has stated that hopes to earn gold in both events and improve upon his 200m and 400m personal bests of 45.77 and 21.02.

Find World Youth Championships full results here: http://cali2015.co/en/timetable/