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Olympic sprinters Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek had some extracurricular activity during, and after, a tense 200-meter run on Sunday.
The pair of two-time Olympians battled it out in an unforgettable race, in which Lyles again won the United States championship in Eugene, Oregon.
Lyles, the reigning 100-meter gold medalist and three-time 200-meter world champ, came back from behind to defeat Bednarek and the rest of the field, crossing the finish line in 19.63 seconds, four-hundredths of a second faster than Bednarek.
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Noah Lyles, left, is pushed by Kenny Bednarek following the Xfinity Men’s 200m final during the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field on Aug. 3, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
However, before they crossed the line, Lyles turned toward Bednarek and stared him down as they finished the race, which prompted a shove by Bednarek. Lyles stopped and turned around, before Bednarek apparently realized his mistake and extended his hand for a handshake.
Lyles obliged.
Perhaps Lyles felt a need to celebrate considering what happened in Paris last summer – days after Lyles won gold in the 100-meter, he was aiming to become the first American runner since Carl Lewis in 1988 to win the double in the Olympics. The 200-meter has always been Lyles’ specialty.
However, he settled for bronze as he revealed he battled COVID-19 – Bednarek won silver.
Despite their handshake, there still appeared to be some bad blood between the two during a joint interview with NBC.
“I tell ya, if you’ve got a problem, I expect a call,” Bednarek said, as the network’s Lewis Johnson moved the mic between the runners.
Lyles replied, “You know what, you’re right. You’re right. Let’s talk after this.”
It didn’t stop there – Bednarek made more comments after both runners left the track.
Noah Lyles, left, reacts after winning the Xfinity Men’s 200m final in front of Kenny Bednarek during the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field on Aug. 3, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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“What he said didn’t matter, it’s just what he did,” Bednarek said. “Unsportsmanlike (expletive) and I don’t deal with that. It’s a respect factor. He’s fresh. Last time we lined it up, I beat him, that’s all I can say. Next time we line up, I’m going to win. That’s all that matters.”
Bednarek referenced some long-simmering issues between the two.
“Just some personal stuff we’ve got to handle,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Lyles has had a beef with a fellow USA runner. He and Fredd Kerley have also exchanged verbal pleasantries over the last year-plus.
Noah Lyles is pushed by Kenny Bednarek, left, following the Xfinity Men’s 200m final during the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field on Aug. 3, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Lyles, of course, has had an apparent rivalry with Tyreek Hill, as well.
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