The Biggest Rivalry In Sports Is Currently Noah Lyles vs Kenny Bednarek After This Supremely Spicy Staredown
Every great movie needs a bad guy. They don't make superhero movies about a bunch of dudes just hanging out together in pajamas. You need to have some villains thrown into the mix or else it starts to get weird. Some people love the bad guy because it makes them root even harder for the heroes. Some people love the bad guy because they just want to see the bad guy succeed. Either way, the villain always plays the most crucial role because without him, there is nothing.
Say what you want about Noah Lyles, but the man is one of the greatest heels we've ever seen. Because he's not just a heel whose main role is antagonizing and causing distractions. He's also the best in the world. He's won gold in the 200m at Worlds in 2019, 2022, and 2023. He had his eyes set on winning double gold at the Paris Olympics after winning the 100m. But after testing positive for COVID a couple days before the final in the 200, he had to settle for bronze. Coming in 2nd place was fellow American, Kenny Bednarek.
If there's one thing that all villains have in common, it's that they don't handle losing with pride and dignity. So for Noah Lyles to be the favorite to win the 200m, and then not even be the top American on the podium last summer? Well now he has no other choice but to hate Kenny Bednarek for the rest of his life. Especially while watching him go undefeated all throughout the 2025 season so far.
Which brings us to the 200m final at the USA Outdoor Championships. Kenny Bednarek beat Noah Lyles in Paris. He came into this race after already winning gold in the 100m at the USA Championships. The only real talk about Noah Lyles leading up to this race has been about racing Tyreek Hill. If there's one thing a villain hates the most, it's being treated like a joke. So this is where we were going to get some peak Noah Lyles antics.
Patrick Smith. Getty Images.
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This is what makes him such a spectacular villain. He typically always finds a way to back it up. If you're going to be that guy, then you need to produce. Kenny Bednarek has been having the best year of his career, and Noah Lyles still went out and beat him. No shit that is going to drive Kenny Bednarek crazy. I'm sure he wishes he was able to throw and actual punch there instead of just having to settle for a light shove. Especially after hearing all the post race comments.
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You might as well just make the men's 200m final a cage match next month at the World Championships in Tokyo. Just let it be an anything goes type of race. First man to cross the finish line is one thing, but being the last man standing is another. Pushing, shoving, punching, gouging eyes. You name it. These two fellas just need to have a good ol' fashion slobberknocker.