Some conflict in Eugene.
Noah Lyles ran Kenny Bednarek down, because of course he did.
That's what Lyles did. Bednarek took a big early lead in the U.S. Outdoor Championships final of the men's 200 meters. Lyles caught him by the line.
And if that wasn't enough action, the pair of American stars provided a postscript.
Lyles appeared to stumble over Bednarek after they both crossed the finish line. That prompted a look back from Lyles and a shove from Bednarek.
They nearly went their separate ways, but then Bednarek wanted to offer a handshake to Lyles, a peace offering.
Lyles took a few seconds, then gave a subdued handshake as the pair exchanged a few more words.
Noah Lyles vs. Kenny Bednarek didn’t disappoint in a tense 200m. 🍿
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2025
📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/NEADV4AcKF
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Both runners were asked in the media mixed zone after the race in Eugene, Oregon to share what they thought of the incident.
Lyles was quick: "No comment."
Bednarek had more to say, via Theo Kahler of Runner World:
"Noah's gonna be Noah. If you want to stare me down, that's fine. I ran five rounds, he was fresh. We can line up again when we're both fresh, and I'm very confident I can beat him."
Lyles had byes during the competition thanks to his past victories.
Bednarek continued: "What he said doesn't matter. It's just what he did. It's unsportsmanlike s---, and I don't deal with that."
And he finished with a prediction: "Next time we line it up, I'm gonna win."
The world championships are in mid-September in Tokyo. The pair will both want to win for the United States, of course, but there'll be a little more juice there, too. Bring the popcorn.
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Category: General Sports
