There were questions, there were assumptions, that could unfold what Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles would race in the finals of the 200m at the USATF Championship. And nobody would have thought what actually happened. To start with, there was tension. Entering the U.S. Trials, many questioned whether the reigning world champion could defeat Kung Fu Kenny. Bednarek’s season‑best 19.59 narrowed the gap, and the unbeaten streak had him at the advantage. But the man in question was Noah Lyles, and one thing he loves is to prove assumptions against him wrong.

Lyles pulled off a masterclass in timing and form to win the men’s 200 m final at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene. The Kung Fu-inspired track and field athlete was quick to take the lead in the race, in the lane very next to that of Noah Lyles, and that’s where all the action unfolded. Though Kenny outran the Olympic gold medalist at the curve, Lyles had the last laugh when he outran Kenny in the straight run afterward. That is where things went south.

“Bednarek, as Noah Lyles tries to reel him in. Lyles is slightly ahead and looks over and says, I’m still the world champion,” said the commentator as Lyles stared at Kenny in his next lane. As he crossed the line, he was still looking over at Bednarek, who ultimately shoved him from behind.

Now, this has brought in heat from the fans toward the athlete, accusing him of not being a sportsman enough. A person commented, “Kenny was wrong for that.” After the contact, the two exchanged animated words, briefly looked as if they might fight on the track, before grabbing each other’s hands. Ultimately, they appeared to shake hands. But the fans are disappointed.

Fans accuse Kenny Bednarek of poor sportsmanship

Fans do not accept this kind of behavior from athletes at the top level. Especially Kenny, making it more physical, made the fans angrier. One user said, “Wait, he pushed him in the back why? Cause he gave him that sauce.” Another fan took to the comment section to say, “Noah Lyles let his race do the talk Kenny Bednarek went out like a BAN after the race with that shove“. Comments questioning why he would make things physical only for being stared at.

Another fan said, “Noah Lyles on payback timing. The stare down put Bednarek in his feelings so he pushed him. Just take the L, Kenny.” In the post-match interview, Kenny had said Noah deserved the win, but he also made it clear that he was not comfortable with the kinds of things the world champion did. Some people have also supported Kenny. 

“Honestly I was a Noah fan for a long time…but he’s made it impossible to root for him. Between the Tyreek stuff, the cockiness, and then today,..I’ll be team @kenny_bednarek going forward. Guy is insanely easy to root for and has grinded for so long he deserves all his success.” One fan said. After months of trash-talk and fan hype, Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill had formally agreed to a head-to-head sprint—rumored to take place over 60 yards/100 m in a Times Square rescheduled event.

But just before it happened, Lyles pulled the plug, bringing mockery. One user also said, “Verbally respond, but don’t ever put your hands on anyone. Kenny is a grown man and got beaten fair and square. Noah talks crap every race but putting your hands is not cool.” What are your thoughts? Should Kenny have done that?