EUGENE, ORE. — Noah Lyles ran 19.63 seconds to win the men’s 200 meters at the U.S. Trials, but it was what followed, not what led up to the finish, that ignited debate.
As he crossed the line just ahead of rival Kenny Bednarek, Lyles turned to look directly at him in a gesture widely seen as confrontational. Bednarek responded immediately, shoving Lyles during the deceleration phase, sparking a tense exchange between the two Olympic medalists.
Lyles, who already has a guaranteed berth at the World Championships due to his 100-meter title in Budapest last year, declined to comment, saying only: “Under coach’s orders, no comment.”
Bednarek was more forthcoming: “It wasn’t what he said it was what he did. That was unsportsmanlike, and I don’t deal with that kind of character.”
Their rivalry, long simmering, now threatens to boil over as both athletes prepare for Tokyo, where their rematch could draw global attention beyond the sprint itself.
Despite the drama, Lyles’ time was the fastest in the world this year and reinforces his claim to the sprinting throne.
