World Champion Sprinter Shoved at the End of Heated Race (Video)

Things got heated at the U.S. track championships over the weekend when sprinter Kenny Bednarek shoved world champion Noah Lyles after a dramatic finish in the 200-meter final.

Bednarek was ahead with just 10 meters to go, but Lyles surged past him at the last second—making sure to give Bednarek a cold stare as he crossed the finish line first. That didn’t sit well with Bednarek, who immediately shoved Lyles from behind. The two exchanged words and visibly argued before eventually shaking hands and agreeing to settle things privately.

Noah Lyles vs. Kenny Bednarek didn’t disappoint in a tense 200m. 🍿

📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/NEADV4AcKF

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2025

Still, the tension didn’t go anywhere. During the post-race interview, Bednarek said, “Just some personal stuff we’ve got to handle.” Lyles, sticking to the script, told reporters, “On coach’s orders, no comment.”

Lyles, 28, is no stranger to the spotlight. He’s a three-time world champ in the 200 meters, and fresh off Olympic gold in the 100 meters and bronze in the 200 meters at the Paris Games. Bednarek, 26, has consistently been right behind him, with silvers in the 200 meters at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. He just notched his first national title in the 100 meters this weekend.

The two speedsters are expected to face off again at the world championships in Tokyo on September 19—and after this weekend’s drama, all eyes will be on them.