Noah Lyles Wins 200m USATF Final After Kenny Bednarek Shoves in Eugene

At the U.S. Track and Field National Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Noah Lyles narrowly defeated rival Kenny Bednarek in the 200-meter final with a time of 19.63 seconds, marking Bednarek's first loss in the event in 2025. The rivalry between the two sprinters escalated when Bednarek shoved Lyles in the back immediately after the finish line following Lyles' intense stare, leading to a tense exchange and a handshake before a joint post-race interview. Bednarek criticized Lyles for what he described as "unsportsmanlike" behavior and emphasized respect, while Lyles acknowledged the tension and agreed to discuss the matter later. The confrontation highlighted the ongoing intense competition between the two athletes, who have a history of close finishes, including their battles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both sprinters are set to face off again at the upcoming world championships, adding anticipation to their rivalry. Observers noted that while the incident was unusual for a non-contact sport like track, it underscored the fierce competitiveness between Lyles and Bednarek.