Noah Lyles–Kenny Bednarek Sprint Feud Resumes at Silesia Diamond League

The first 100m Olympic rematch between Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson is getting most of the attention ahead of the Silesia Diamond League. But there’s another storyline that could be just as compelling: the resumption of the Noah Lyles – Kenny Bednarek feud.

The last time they met in the 200m,  at the 2024 US Championships,  Lyles ran down Bednarek, glanced to his left, and glared at Bednarek before the finish line. Bednarek, clearly unhappy, gave Lyles a light shove as they ran past the finish. Words followed on the NBC broadcast and in post-race interviews with LetsRun.com and other media.

Kenny Bednarek give Noah Lyles a shove at USAs (Kevin Morris photo)

Bednarek told CNN he spoke to Lyles later to try and hash out their differences.

“As you saw, Noah stared me down. I gave a push. I feel like we both could have handled that situation a little bit differently and with more respect,” Bednarek told CNN Sports. “Emotions were high… But we both decided to discuss the situation after the event was done and that’s what we did. We had about an hour-long conversation… We both came to an agreement with things and we’re good now.”

Still, Bednarek warned fans to “expect fireworks” whenever he and Lyles line up: “When it comes to 100 and 200, that rivalry… it’s real.”

Both men enter Silesia as underdogs to Thompson. But if one of them can take the win, the post-race moment could be just as memorable as the race itself.

Lyles-Bednarek Feud/Rivalry Talk on LetsRun.com: NBC owes Kenny Bednarek a Apology

• Full Silesia Diamond League Preview: Lyles vs. Thompson vs Bednarek in the 100, Chebet drops to 1500, Keely returns, Nuguse & Hoey begin revenge tours
• Olympic star Jess Hull to pace Faith Kipyegon’s assault on 32-year-old 3000m world record in Silesia

Did you miss the stare and shove? Race replay:

(if you’re outside of the US and need a VPN to watch click here)