Acing in poor sportsmanship, the celebrated athlete Lyles continues to taunt Bednarek, pushing him nearly to his limits.
The 2025 US Track and Field Championships saw a heated exchange between sprint stars Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek, an incident that has left the feud between the two athletes tense and unresolved.
During the 200m final, Lyles, the 100-meter Olympic champion, won the race in a world's fastest time of 19.63 seconds. As he crossed the finish line, he stared down Bednarek, who responded by shoving Lyles. Bednarek later described Lyles' actions as "unsportsmanlike."
Bednarek, who secured the 100-meter title two days earlier with a time of 9.79 seconds, expressed his displeasure openly after the race. However, neither athlete has provided detailed public statements or signs of reconciliation following the event.
Lyles has consistently responded with "no comment" when asked about the incident or the feud. He did not comment further during a TV interview, citing instructions from his coach. Bednarek, on the other hand, stated that he is confident he can beat Lyles in a future race.
The potential duel between Lyles and Bednarek is yet to be confirmed, as they are yet to race when both are fresh. Lyles has a wildcard for the 100 meters, setting up another potential duel with Bednarek.
Lyles' foot and groin problems in his preparation may have played a role in his decision to only compete in the 100-meter preliminary round and not in the 200 meters final. Bednarek pointed out that Lyles ran fewer races, a point he used to express his displeasure.
Despite the heated exchange, both athletes have agreed to discuss the issue later. Lyles stated that if his opponents can't beat him now, they never will. Bednarek challenged Lyles to call him if he had a problem.
The heated exchange between the two athletes could have serious consequences for the US sprint team. The feud appears to be part of ongoing rivalry tensions rather than an isolated incident, as commentators and fans note it as one of many rivalries in track and field.
As the World Championships in Tokyo approach, Lyles aims to win his fourth consecutive 200-meter title. Bednarek, who won two Olympic silver medals over 200 meters and was runner-up behind Lyles at the 2022 World Championships, will be a formidable opponent.
The situation between Lyles and Bednarek remains tense, but the prospect of a future race between the two athletes promises to add an exciting dimension to the world of track and field.
During the context of the 2025 sports events, the world championships in Tokyo may also witness a significant event in athletics, as the rivalry between Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek, two prominent US athletes, could spill over into the world stage. Despite their disputes, both Lyles, known for his prowess in football as well, and Bednarek, currently focused on the 100-meter race, might find themselves facing each other in the 200-meter race, potentially adding an electrifying element to the championships.
