Noah Lyles wins U.S. 200m title in 19.63s, sparking a fiery post-race shove from Kenny Bednarek. Their growing rivalry sets the stage for a Tokyo rematch.
Lyles Clinches Victory in Nail-Biting 200m Final
Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion, edged out Kenny Bednarek by just 0.04 seconds to win the men’s 200-metre final at the U.S. Track & Field Outdoor Championships on Sunday, August 4, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon. Clocking 19.63 seconds, Lyles not only secured his fifth national title at this distance but also ignited one of the sport’s most talked-about rivalries.
Post-Race Showdown Shocks Spectators
The tension between the sprinters boiled over moments after the finish. As Lyles turned to celebrate and reportedly taunt Bednarek, the latter responded with a two-handed shove and a heated verbal exchange. What began as a race ended in a near altercation that continued into a live NBC interview.
Bednarek, visibly upset, later said, “It’s a respect factor… Unsportsmanlike. I don’t deal with that.” While Lyles kept quiet under his coach’s instructions, his animated reaction—including backpedaling and shadowboxing gestures—spoke volumes.
A Rivalry Years in the Making
While Lyles and Bednarek have long shared podiums, the friction between them appears deeper than just race-day emotions. Bednarek referenced “personal stuff we’ve got to handle,” hinting at longstanding tension. With both men slated to face off again at the World Championships in Tokyo on September 19, their dynamic has become the most intense in track and field since the days of Bolt.
High Stakes and Higher Emotions
Bednarek’s frustration may have been intensified by fatigue—Sunday’s 200m was his fifth race in three days. Despite beating Lyles in previous Olympic matchups, Sunday’s narrow loss stung. Lyles, fresh off an injury and running fewer heats, came into the race with more energy—and possibly something to prove.
“If they ain’t gonna beat me now, they ain’t gonna beat me ever,” Lyles quipped post-race.
What’s Next: Tokyo Showdown Set
All eyes now turn to Tokyo, where the world will watch this burgeoning rivalry unfold under global scrutiny. For a sport often struggling to maintain mainstream attention post-Usain Bolt, the Lyles-Bednarek saga may be just what track and field needs—a fierce, personal, and high-stakes battle.
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