Dethroned From Record, Noah Lyles Announces to Silence Kenny Bednarek at US Olympic Trials 2024

Noah Lyles is not only impressed with Kenny Bednarek but has also issued him an ultimatum. Bednarek has recently been in tremendous form. Competing at the Diamond League in Doha, Kenny Bednarek impressed everyone by taking the world lead. He clinched the pole position by clocking 19.67s in the 200m discipline, thus establishing his personal best.

The time is also the fastest anybody has covered the 200m distance in the Doha Diamond League. Looking at the results, one person who seems to be happy for his former teammate is Noah Lyles.

Appreciating the feat, Lyles took to his X account and wrote, “Shout out to @kenny_bednarek for that 19.6 world lead that was impressive! I will let you keep it till June 9th 😉” And well, upping the ante for a high-octane clash, Kenny Bednarek has immediately accepted the challenge from Noah Lyles. Looking immensely confident, Bednarek reposted Lyles’ tweet and stated, “Challenge accepted ⚔️”

Known as the undisputed king of the Diamond League, Noah Lyles missed out on Doha this time. Seizing the perfect opportunity, Kenny Bednarek displayed his trademark speed and precision to not only win the gold but also dethrone none other than Noah Lyles! Competing in the 200m discipline, Noah Lyles recorded the fastest time of the meet in 2018. He ran 200m in 19.83s, which stood firm until Bednarek’s antics this year. 

Bednarek also overcame Courtney Lindsey’s time of 19.71s to etch his name as the world leader. While things might look rosy for Kenny Bednarek, Lyles’ tweet is proof that he is lurking in the shadows. His playful mention of June 9 meant that Lyles was all geared up for the USA Team Trials for the Olympics. As the duo will fight it out at the trials, a glimpse of their long-lasting rivalry will surely be an intriguing tale to unfold. 

Noah Lyles vs. Kenny Bednarek: A legendary tale of rivalry

Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek are two of the most dominant athletes in the USA at the moment. The duo teamed up at the World Relays in the Bahamas along with Kyree King and Courtney Lindsey. Team US won the men’s 4x100m relay in a thumping manner, clocking 37.40s, just shy of their record, 37.38s, in 2015. However, that is all the love that exists between Lyles and Bednarek. Facing off for 11 times now, the scales are ridiculously titled in favor of Noah Lyles. 

Lyles has won 10 of their face-offs, but Bednarek struck where it mattered the most. Competing at the Tokyo Olympics, Kenny Bednarek showed tremendous character to edge past Lyles to secure an Olympic silver medal. Well, this was only in the 200m discipline. When the rivalry came down to the 100m discipline, Kenny Bednarek would be the one smiling. 

The two US track icons crossed paths four times in the 100m. Bednarek has been victorious on two occasions while losing only once. The duo ended up tying in their latest matchup at the Tom Jones Memorial 2024, with both bagging the gold. However, Noah Lyles seems to be the overall winner till now. 

Lyles has personal bests of 9.83s and 19.31s in the 100m and 200m disciplines, respectively. On the flip side, Bednarek’s 100m and 200m bests stand at a distance with timings of 9.89s and 19.67s. But one thing that should not be overlooked is that Bednarek has recently surged in form. If he continues like this, the Paris Olympics will surely be a lip-smacking affair for the fans watching the duo’s rivalry reach newer heights.