Noah Lyles Might Face Off Kenny Bednarek Earlier Than He Expected at Paris Olympics Trials

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics, every pitstop on the road is looking like an opportunity for the athletes. The upcoming Raer’s Grand Prix on June 1 in Jamaica will be another of these halts where track and field stars can prove their worth once again. Among the participants in the tournament will be Noah Lyles, who is eyeing his maiden Olympic gold later this year. However, if the stars align, he might also get the chance to set the records straight with one of his biggest hurdles in the 200m events.

Only days ago, Lyles dished out an incredible performance at the Atlanta City Games. And yet, veterans of the sport can’t decide if his stunning 14.42 time in the 150m is the dawn that’ll show how the day will go for the 26-year-old.

Noah Lyles to bolster his Olympic dream

In a recent podcast episode of Ready Set Go, Rodney Green and Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin were talking about Lyles recording yet another personal best while also setting a new American record in Atlanta last weekend. The host mentioned how the reigning world champion boasted about having the best training of his life ahead of last Saturday’s event, while also highlighting the fact that Noah is yet to run in a 200m event this year.

In response, Gatlin brought up the instance from the Bahamas Relays from earlier this month, noting that thanks to his teammates, Lyles didn’t have to go all out with his own speed in Nassau. Gatlin stated that, from the looks of Noah in the 150m, he is hinting at a similarly fantastic performance in the 200 race as well, noting, “that’s his Marquee event.”

With the 200m being Lyles’ specialty, the five-time Diamond League gold medalist will have another chance to show his mettle next weekend. However, at the upcoming Racer’s Grand Prix, Noah might be looking at strong competition, should one of his teammates decide to bring the fight to Noah.

A close comrade stands on Noah’s way to the top

Over the last months, Noah has come forward claiming that his plans for the Pari Olympics are to bag four gold medals in all of his events (100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m). On top of that, ahead of the Atlanta Games, he also asserted that he doesn’t consider anyone to be a challenge in the 200m race. However, Kenny Bednarek, one of the members of Team USA picked up gold at the Bahamas Relays and also clinched the world lead at the Doha Diamond League with his victory in the men’s 200m race (19.67). With that, Noah felt the necessity to send a message to his national teammate, underscoring that Kenny’s world lead will only prevail till the Olympics.

As per the latest official list released by the Racer’s Grand Prix, Noah is set to take the tracks for the 200m race, while Bednarek is still absent from the same. However, fans are hoping for Kenny to also enter the competition, with the hope of seeing these two Goliaths going at each other leaving everything on the table, and possibly giving a hint at how things might unfold at the French capital in August.

Who among these powerhouses is your pick for the Paris Games? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section with us!