Sprint star Kenny Bednarek told CNN Sports that he has cleared the air with Noah Lyles after a heated conclusion to their 200-meter race at …

Sprint star Kenny Bednarek told CNN Sports that he has cleared the air with Noah Lyles after a heated conclusion to their 200-meter race at

 

 

American sprint star Kenny Bednarek has confirmed he has resolved tensions with fellow sprinter and Olympic champion Noah Lyles following a heated conclusion to their recent 200-meter showdown. Speaking exclusively to CNN Sports, Bednarek emphasized that “everything is cool now” between the two after emotions ran high at the finish line.

The dramatic race, which took place last weekend at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, saw Lyles edge out Bednarek by a fraction of a second, crossing the line in 19.65 seconds to Bednarek’s 19.68. But it wasn’t just the tight finish that had fans talking — the tension between the two sprinting stars was palpable, culminating in a brief but intense exchange of words on the track.

Footage showed Bednarek visibly frustrated as the two engaged in a heated moment post-race. Many speculated that Lyles’ animated celebration — which included a chest thump and shout in Bednarek’s direction — may have triggered the reaction.

“I was just caught up in the moment,” Bednarek told CNN Sports. “We’re both competitors, and when the stakes are high, emotions get the better of you. But I want people to know there’s no bad blood. Noah and I talked it out, and we’ve cleared the air.”

The sprinter, known as “Kung Fu Kenny” for his signature post-race bow and headband, acknowledged that the moment was “unfortunate,” but said it reflected how passionate both he and Lyles are about the sport.

“We both want to be the best,” Bednarek said. “Sometimes that means things get intense. But we respect each other, and I’ve always respected what Noah’s done for track and field.”

Noah Lyles, who has become a high-profile figure in global athletics for both his on-track dominance and outspoken personality, has not yet spoken publicly about the incident since the race. However, sources close to his camp have indicated that he was also eager to move forward and focus on preparations for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

The reconciliation between the two sprinters is a positive sign for Team USA, which will be looking to dominate the sprints on the world stage later this month. With both men in peak form, their friendly rivalry could be the spark the U.S. sprint team needs to reclaim global dominance.

Fans and commentators have drawn parallels to past track rivalries, but Bednarek insists the narrative shouldn’t be one of conflict.

“This is not about drama. It’s about pushing each other to be better,” he said. “I’m focused on getting faster, running smarter, and representing the U.S. the best I can.”

As the countdown to the World Championships begins, track and field fans will be watching closely — not just for the fireworks on the track, but for how two of the sport’s brightest stars continue to challenge each other in the pursuit of greatness.