When will Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek face each other in 200m? Everything about the rivalry between American sprinters

Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek, the two top sprinters from the United States, have made a significant impact in the track and field through their impressive performances, earning recognition on a global level. Both of them achieved medal-winning feats at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 200m, where Bednarek clinched the silver while Lyles collected the bronze medal.

Lyles and Bednarek will be eyeing yet another powerful display in the 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are less than two months to commence. Both the sprinters are set to renew their rivalry in the 200m at the 2024 U.S. Olympics Track and Field Trials, slated from June 21 to June 30.

In the 2020 U.S. Olympics Track and Field Trials, Lyles got the better of Bednarek who registered a personal best of 19.78s with a phenomenal 19.74s.

For the 2024 Olympics, Noah Lyles is aiming to make it to the USA Olympic team in four events, including the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay events. After becoming a three-time World champion in 2023, Lyles showed his desire to replicate the same feat at the 2024 Olympic Games.

On the other hand, Bednarek has expressed his intent to represent the United States in the 100m and 200m events for the 2024 Paris Olympics after his recent victory in the 200m at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic.

A look into Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek's 2024 season

Noah Lyles (left) and Kenneth Bednarek (center) celebrate after the Men's 200m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Noah Lyles began his 2024 indoor season with an aim to become the World Indoor champion in the 60m. He narrowly missed out on the feat after securing second place in the event after losing to compatriot Christian Coleman in the finals held in Glasgow.

In the outdoors, he has competed in the Tom Jones Memorial and Bermuda Grand Prix, finishing first in both events in the 100m. However, Lyles is set to make his 200m debut at the New York City Grand Prix on June 9, 2024.

Meanwhile, Bednarek has participated in multiple sprint events (100m, 200m, and 400m) in the 2024 outdoor season. His most recent win in the 200m came at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic where he topped the field with a 19.89s performance and holds the World lead with his 19.67s which he ran at the 2024 Doha Diamond League

Both played a significant role in securing a place for the USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the men's 4x100m relay and winning the gold medal in the event at the 2024 World Athletics Relays held in the Bahamas.

About the author

Abhiruchi is a US Olympics journalist at Sportskeeda, specializing in Athletics, Swimming, Gymnastics, and Wrestling among other sports. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has over 2 years of prior experience in the sports journalism sector.

Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are Abhiruchi’s favorite Olympians. She began following them in 2018, and seeing their transformation from initially not wanting to play together to becoming the world's top-ranked men's doubles pair inspires her.

Track & Field excites Abhiruchi the most because of the diverse range of events involved in it. Neeraj Chopra's historic performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics stands as her favorite Olympic moment as it was India’s first gold in track and field events. She feels that focus should be placed on up-and-coming athletes to increase the coverage of Olympic sports during the off-season.

Abhiruchi applies journalistic principles learnt while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree by prioritizing first-hand information, cross-checking via multiple reliable sources, and fact-checking for accuracy. She follows reputed sources and numerous established athletes on social media platforms to remain updated.

When not reporting, Abhiruchi enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

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Edited by Pritha Ghosh