Collision on the Track: Sprint athletes collide at the race's conclusion
The 2025 US Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, witnessed a heated moment between sprint superstars Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek. After a close 200m race, Lyles won by a margin of just four-hundredths of a second, crossing the finish line in 19.63 seconds.
The victory was not without controversy, as Lyles' provocative winner's look and trash-talking towards Bednarek led to an argument that continued beyond the track. The argument escalated to a physical confrontation, with Bednarek giving Lyles a two-handed shove.
This incident is not the first between the two athletes. Bednarek had been the dominant sprinter earlier in the season, winning the 100m at the same championships and beating Lyles at the 2024 Olympics. Lyles finished third in the 100m event at the Olympics while battling COVID.
Bednarek accused Lyles of unsportsmanlike behavior, stating it's about respect. He reiterated his previous statement, saying "Noah is still Noah." Lyles, in response, agreed to discuss their issue later.
The rivalry between Lyles and Bednarek promises to be one of the central storylines in the sprinting world as the season progresses. The two athletes are expected to meet again on the track in September at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Both are among the favourites in the 200m final, with Lyles aiming to match Usain Bolt by winning four consecutive world titles in this event.
According to the US news agency Associated Press, the push from Bednarek into Lyles' back occurred during the argument. The incident was also reported on the US broadcaster NBC.
The World Athletics Championships, which will take place in Tokyo in September, will provide an exciting stage for this rivalry to continue. With both athletes determined to settle their dispute and compete at the highest level, the competition is sure to be intense.
Despite their heated argument at the 2025 US Athletics Championships, the rivalry between Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek remains as they both aim to succeed in future sports events. Their upcoming match in the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo promises to be a spectacle, as both athletes are vying for dominance in the sports world, echoing the historical rivalry between Lyles and Bolt.
