American Lyles clocks world’s fastest 200m this year
REUTERS – Noah Lyles surged past Kenny Bednarek to win a heated 200-metre race in a world-leading time at the USA Track and Field Championships on Sunday, turning to stare down Bednarek as the sprint rivals crossed the finish line.
Lyles, the three-times world champion in the event, trailed coming off the bend but stormed to the front to cross in 19.63 seconds, the fastest time in the world this season in a huge statement ahead of next month’s World Championships in Tokyo.
Bednarek, winner of Friday’s 100m, finished in 19.67, and then shoved Lyles in the back after they crossed. Lyles turned angrily with arms raised before the two exchanged words and finally shook hands.
“It was a pretty difficult championship,” said Lyles, who has been hampered with an ankle injury this season. “I’ve been tired. It’s been rough, coming out here when you’re not 100 percent.”
Lyles had not needed to compete in Eugene, Oregon to qualify for Tokyo, as he already had a bye in both the 100m and 200m as the reigning champion.
Their anger spilled into their trackside NBC interview. “If you’ve got a problem, I expect a call,” Bednarek said. Lyles replied: “You know what, you’re right... Let’s talk after this.”