Kenny Bednarek hits out at ‘unsportsmanlike’ Noah Lyles after heated 200m showdown at USA Track & Field Championships
Published 04/08/2025 at 21:53 GMT+1
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Kenny Bednarek questioned Noah Lyles’ character after the pair were involved in a dramatic 200m showdown at the USA Track & Field Championships. Lyles pipped Bednarek after a storming finish and stared at his fellow American as he crossed the line. In response, Bednarek shoved Lyles in the back before hitting out at what he felt was “unsportsmanlike” conduct.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles were involved in a heated exchange after the 200m race at the USA Track & Field Championships.
Three-time 200m world champion Lyles stopped the clock at 19.63 seconds after sprinting past his compatriot over the final 50m.
Renowned as a showman, Lyles turned his head to stare at Bednarek as the pair crossed the line, something which drew the ire of his rival.
Bednarek retaliated, shoving Lyles in the back before the pair exchanged words and eventually shook hands.
Discussing the incident, Bednarek said: "Noah's going to be Noah. If he wants to stare me down, that's fine.
"The summary is, don't do that to me. I don't do any of that stuff. It's not good character right there. That's pretty much it. At the end of the day, he won the race. I've got to give him props. He was the better man today."
Bednarek and Lyles are set to go head-to-head again in the 100m and 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September. Lyles is the reigning champion at both distances, but Bednarek vowed to get the better of his fellow American when they next face each other.
"What he said didn't matter, it's just what he did," Bednarek added. "Unsportsmanlike [expletive], and I don't deal with that.
"It's a respect factor. He's fresh. Last time we lined it up, I beat him, that's all I can say. Next time we line up, I'm going to win. That's all that matters."
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In another interview with NBC, Bednarek said: "I tell ya, if you've got a problem, I expect a call."
In response, Lyles stated his intentions to clear the air, saying: "You know what, you're right. You’re right. Let’s talk after this."
Lyles was later tight-lipped about the whole thing, adding: "On coach's orders, no comment."
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