Two-time Olympian Noah Lyles won the United States championship in a tense 200-meter run in Eugene, Oregon, coming back from behind to defeat Kenny Bednarek and cross the finish line in 19.63 seconds. The victory marks Lyles’ third 200-meter world championship title.
However, the win came after a heated exchange between the two athletes on and off the track. The confrontation began when Lyles stared down Bednarek at the finish line, prompting a shove by Bednarek before he realized his mistake and extended an olive branch with a handshake.
Bednarek later expressed frustration with Lyles’ behavior, stating that “what he said didn’t matter” but rather what he did was unacceptable. The two athletes continued to exchange words during a joint interview with NBC, with Bednarek referencing long-simmering issues between them.
Lyles has previously had high-profile feuds with fellow USA runners Fredd Kerley and Tyreek Hill. Despite the tension on display, Lyles’ focus remained on winning the championship, which he has consistently dominated in his specialty event.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/noah-lyles-stares-down-olympic-teammate-after-comeback-victory-gets-shoved-afterward