“Need To Change”: Shattering Noah Lyles’ Record Brings Legend’s Recognition for “Underrated” Kenny Bednarek

Kenny Bednarek has his eyes set on the prize. Four days after winning gold at the Bahamas Relays, the 2020 Olympics silver medalist once again sent out another message to his opponents at the Wanda Diamond League in Doha, and Noah Lyles might have his work cut for him. Scooping the men’s 200m event, Kung Fu Kenny set a new meet record (19.67) apart from clinching the world lead. And it looks like he has a new fan.

In his recent post on X, Michael Johnson shared his awe of Kenny’s dazzling performance in Doha. Noting that track fans around the world highly undervalue Bednarek, Johnson wrote “Underrated! Not the fastest, but consistently shows up winning 200m medals.” The eight-time World Championships gold medalist went on to write that Kenny might get thrown into oblivion if he doesn’t make use of his current momentum and make some moves at the Paris Olympics.

“Unfortunately consistency is often undervalued in this sport if you’re not winning (gold medal emoji) We need to change that!” opined Michael. With Noah Lyles having one of the strongest claims on the 100m and 200m titles at the upcoming Games, it seems like Johnson isn’t one to put all his eggs in one basket.

As the 2024 Olympics inch closer, Noah Lyles is expected to make waves in Paris in both the 100m and 200m sprints. However, with Kenny’s latest feat, the five-time Diamond League gold medalist might be looking at brewing competition on home soil. Michael Johnson thinks the time is high for Kenny to make his claim.

Kenny’s latest achievement will make him a significant threat to Noah’s aims for the Paris Games. Notably, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kenny was the one who got past Noah Lyles for the silver, whereas the latter had to settle for bronze. But Noah has already declared a few days back, “This ain’t 2021.” The indication is not difficult to understand. Such bold statements have been a regular with Lyles lately. However, from the look of things, the six-time World Championships gold medalist might be facing the toughest competition from his own teammates.

Noah Lyles looks at beefy competition ahead

Over the last few months, Lyles has made it clear that he has some big plans for Paris. With an eye to bringing gold in all four events (100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m), the 26-year-old is fixated on snatching away Usain Bolt’s grand status among the world’s track and field fans. Since last year’s World Championships, Lyles has been steadily making it apparent that he will be flying to France in July to bag every possible accolade. But it’s not just the Olympics that present him with a historic opportunity ahead.

Lyles currently has five Diamond League gold medals under his belt. He is only two more first-place finishes away from matching Renaud Lavillenie and Christian Taylor’s records, which can well be attained even before the upcoming Olympics. The Wanda Diamond League London will be the last international track and field event just before athletes from around the globe descend onto Paris. Now, it waits to be seen if Lyles can retain his best speeds in Britain before heading to France on a high note and full of confidence as he takes the fight to Kenny and the likes of Joseph Fahnbulleh and Christian Coleman.