The eighth stop on the Diamond League circuit in Lausanne, Switzerland, elicited some show-stopping performances, as well as a strange debacle in the men’s 5000m. Check out the highlights below!

Shelby Houlihan Runs U.S. No. 4 All-Time 1500m En Route To Victory

With an utterly superb surge down the homestretch, Shelby Houlihan kicked down the likes of Laura Muir (second, 3:57.34), Sifan Hassan (third, 3:58.39) and Gudaf Tsegay (fourth, 3:59.07) to extend her winning streak to six races and reset her PR with a very fast mark, 3:57.34, which ranks No. 2 in the world this year behind Genzebe Dibaba’s 3:56.68. 

#4 US ALL-TIME for SHELBY HOULIHAN!!! 3:57.34!! pic.twitter.com/PCsMHaLJ6U

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) July 5, 2018

Today's race marked yet another statement win for the 25-year-old Bowerman Track Club runner, who recently claimed the 1500m and 5000m U.S. titles in Des Moines two weeks ago. Prior to that, she enjoyed a breakout at the Prefontaine Classic, winning in a then-personal best of 3:59.06 over Laura Muir, Jenny Simpson and other strong competitors. Houlihan hasn't been defeated since beginning her outdoor campaign.

“I didn’t have many expectations coming into the race today, and was actually a bit worried as I wasn’t feeling very well,” Houlihan said. “I had to talk to myself during the race to stay in a comfortable position and the incredible crowd here brought me home during the last 200 meters… the crowd is really awesome here, and when I saw it packed, I did my best to focus, and [I] think my win shows I was able to do that. I would love to continue my winning streak, and [I’m] looking forward to coming back to Switzerland and Zurich later in the season.”

1. Shelby Houlihan, 3:57.34 (MR) (PB)

2. Laura Muir, 3:58.18 (SB)

3. Sifan Hassan, 3:58.39 

Lyles vs. Norman Super Match Delivers

After waiting nearly two years to see the second edition of Noah Lyles vs. Michael Norman, track nation was chomping at the bit to see these two sub-20-running 20-year-olds face off again today. 

The last time these two matched up, of course, was the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, where the precocious 18-year-olds finished just outside of qualifying for the Rio Games—Lyles took fourth in 20.09, and Norman followed right behind him in 20.14 for fifth. Since then, a lot has changed in their favor. Lyles signed with adidas, and now owns the world lead in the 100m (9.88) as well as a 19.69 PR in the 200m. Norman committed to USC, ran the world indoor record for 400m (44.52) and improved his 200m PR to 19.84 last week in Paris. 

The hype was justified. Although Norman was in great position heading into the turn, Lyles executed a brilliant slingshot into the homestretch that gave him the edge over Norman and carried him through the line in 19.69, which tied his PR and the world-leading time this season. Norman finished runner-up in 19.88, followed by his former USC teammate and 400m hurdles specialist Rai Benjamin in fourth (20.16).

Mesmerizing to watch... @USC_Track_Field's @Mike_Norman22 and @_Kingben_ always in sync... pic.twitter.com/uIN44TADX6

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) July 5, 2018

“Yesterday I said I want to be an icon; being consistent is the first step towards that,” Lyles said. “19.69 is great, but you can always improve. I feel I can do a lot better. I need to improve my technique on the bend… I don't want to put a limit on myself. My life goals are big. I want to be as good, if not better than, Michael Johnson and Justin Gatlin.”

Post-race, Norman mentioned he’s starting to feel some fatigue from his long season.

“I feel really good after this race. This season has been a very long season, so I am evidently fatigued,” Norman said. “With regard to the race itself, the first 60 meters was great, I then kept the pace until the 90th meter and towards the end of the race and the last 25 meters, I didn´t have much going for me. My objectives for the season have been obtained as I have run sub 20 seconds in 200 meters and sub 44 seconds in 400 meters. Now, I´m going to relax and have some good Swiss ice cream.”

1. Noah Lyles, 19.69 (=WL) (=PB)

2. Michael Norman, 19.88

3. Alex Quinonez, 20.08

Watch the second edition of Lyles vs. Norman here:

Strange Altercation In Men’s 5000m Overshadows New World Lead

Birhanu Balew ran a strong race and took full advantage of a bizarre mishap on the final turn to get the win in the men’s 5000m with a time of 13:01.09, a personal best that also set a new world lead. 

But that mayhem with 150 meters to go ultimately stole the spotlight.

When you try to pants your competition, but he ain't having any of it... pic.twitter.com/YjvlYUjDZ3

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) July 5, 2018

While in the lead on the last bend, Yomif Kejelcha somehow lost his balance and apparently believed Selemon Barega influenced it. In return, he grabbed at his shorts in what appeared to be an act of vengeful sabotage. Post-race, it also looked like they may have been arguing. The details are hazy, but one thing’s for sure: these compatriots will have a lot to talk about on their next long run.  

1. Balew Birhanu, 13:01.09 (WL) (PB)

2. Selemon Barega, 13:02.67 (SB)

3. Abadi Hadis, 13:03.62 (SB)

Watch the drama unfold here:

Sergey Shubenkov Is The Only 110m Hurdler In The World Running Sub-13

In his last four outings, Sergey Shubenkov has run 12.95, 12.92, 13.05 and 12.99. His 12.92 world lead and PR, which he set earlier this week in Gyulai, was also a national record for the Russian hurdler who competes as an Authorized Neutral Athlete. Omar McLeod might have joined Sergey Shubenkov under the 13-second barrier today had it not been for a rough brush with a hurdle, which caused him to fade to fifth.

“This is what we train for. I am super excited. I have already run under 13 seconds three times this season, so that makes this my best season ever,” Shubenkov said. “I believe I have reached a certain level, and I will do my best to remain here and improve. 2016 was a tough year when we did not have much opportunity to compete, but now competing with the best guys on the circuit is helping me improve... a European record is a realistic target—let's see when I [can] achieve that. I am looking forward to the European Championships and being a part of Team Europe in the Continental Cup.”

1. Sergey Shubenkov, 12.95

2. Devon Allen, 13.29

3. Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, 13.30

Watch Shubenkov run his third sub-13 of the season: