TAMPA, Fla. — It was an incredible showing for a local 17-year-old track star at Hillsborough High School, but Erriyon Knighton wasn't there to hear the cheers.

He was competing in the Tokyo Olympics.

Knighton, the youngest member of the U.S. men’s track team since 1954, placed fourth on Wednesday in the 200-meter final, one spot shy of a medal.

"He's still a champion, he's in all of our hearts, next time he's taking that gold!," said Hillsborough High student and swimmer Patrick McCurdy. 

Canada’s Andre de Grasse won in a national record time of 19.62 seconds, holding off Americans Kenneth Bednarek, who won silver in a personal best 19.68 seconds, and 2019 world champion Noah Lyles, who took bronze in 19.74.

Andre De Grasse, of Canada races to win the gold medal ahead of Kenneth Bednarek, of United States, silver, and Noah Lyles, of United States, bronze, in the final of the men's 200-meters at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. (AP/Charlie Riedel)

Meanwhile, back in Tampa, family, friends and classmates packed the auditorium at Hillsborough High to watch the race and cheer on Knighton.

"I'm tickled to death that Erriyon did what he did to represent our school," said football coach Earl Garcia, who encouraged the 6'3" athlete to start running track three years ago.

"Everything he's done in such a short time, I'm so proud of him," Hillsborough High track coach Joe Sipp. "For him to go out there and run against professionals and grown men, what he did is outstanding."

Knighton will be among the students returning to class when school starts next week. 

"He keeps saying that he's coming back to Play!," Coach Garcia said.

Since Knighton has only gone pro in track & field, Garcia says he is eligible to play football. 

"He's missed a week a practice, that's an excused absence for being in the Olympics and he can come back to play for us again."

A pep rally to celebrate Knighton's success in Tokyo is in the works.