Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Lausanne Diamond League meet, just weeks ahead of a highly anticipated rematch against fellow American sprinter Noah Lyles.
The August 20 event at La Pontaise Olympic Stadium was shaping up to be one of the season’s must-watch moments, a renewal of the fierce rivalry between the two sprint stars following their dramatic clash at the USATF Championships.
There, in a lightning-fast 200m final, Lyles edged out Bednarek by just 0.04 seconds, clocking 19.63 to Bednarek’s 19.67. However, the battle wasn’t confined to the stopwatch.
As the athletes crossed the finish line, tension erupted. Lyles shot Bednarek a piercing glare, which was met with a push from Bednarek. What followed was a heated exchange that hinted at a rivalry simmering well beyond track performance. Speculation quickly spread that Lausanne would be the next chapter in this brewing saga. But that narrative took a dramatic turn.
In a direct Instagram post, Bednarek confirmed his withdrawal.
“Will not be racing in the Lausanne Diamond League event. Coach’s plan, Poland and World Championships next.”
Poland and Tokyo Now the Focus
At just 25, Bednarek is entering a critical stretch of his career. With the World Championships set for Tokyo from September 13–21, the decision to pull out of Lausanne appears tactical, aimed at conserving energy and sharpening form ahead of more crucial showdowns.
Before Tokyo, Bednarek will compete at the Silesia Diamond League meeting in Poland on August 16. The scheduling change, as orchestrated by his coach, suggests a calculated effort to peak at the right moment, even if it means skipping out on a headline-making rematch.
Still, the competitive fire remains lit. Following the USATF showdown, Bednarek didn’t hold back in addressing Lyles’ behavior.
“Unsportsmanlike,” Bednarek remarked, referencing Lyles’ intense stare-down at the finish line in Eugene.
Rising Form Despite the Rift
Controversy aside, Bednarek leaves Eugene with a haul of accomplishments. He not only secured second in the 200m but also claimed his first national title in the 100m, clocking a personal best of 9.79 seconds. That win, combined with his performance in the 4x100m relay, earned him a rare triple qualification for Team USA in the 100m, 200m, and relay events at the World Championships.
Reflecting on his performance, Bednarek took to X (formerly Twitter) with a message of grit and growth.
“USATF Championships ✅ What a weekend. Five rounds across two events, a new PB, my first national title and Team USA in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay… Every breakdown was a lesson and every race this season part of the climb back.”
While he acknowledged falling just short in the 200m, his sights are clearly set on bigger goals.
“I’m healthy, locked in and grateful for every step of this journey.”
Although Lausanne will no longer host the next face-off between Bednarek and Lyles, the suspense only builds. With both athletes locked in for the Tokyo World Championships, fans can still look forward to a high-stakes rematch, perhaps with medals, pride, and legacy all on the line.
In the end, Kenny Bednarek may be stepping away from Lausanne, but the sprint saga with Noah Lyles is far from over — it’s just waiting for its grandest stage.
