Noah Lyles barely edged Kenny Bednarek at the line of the 2021 USATF Golden Games Xfinity Men’s 200m. The 2019 world champion in the 200m, Lyles was the favorite coming into the race. His brother Josephus Lyles was also one of the favorites. However, it was Bednarek who would give the world champ a run for his money.
As if he were shot from the starter’s pistol himself, Bednarek got out hard and led the entire race. A much larger frame than Lyles and many of his peers, the former Junior College star put on a show for the folks at Mt. SAC. However, taking down the best in the world is harder than he made it seem the first 180m.
Lyles would surge coming off the turn, one of his strongest phases of the race. As he slingshot himself around the curve, his opponent looked like he had him beat. Then the arms started pumping a little harder for Bednarek. Over the last five meters, Noah Lyles would just out lean his competitor as the two held onto each other after the line for balance. They would finish in 19.90 and 19.94 respectively.
This may have been the most exciting race of the day for the early session of the Golden Games.
RIGHT AT THE FINISH ?
Noah Lyles takes the win in the men’s 200m right at the finish line to clock a time of 19.90.
@LylesNoah @usatf // #JourneyToGold pic.twitter.com/owF4qagNXt
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) May 9, 2021
There has been a lot of crazy performances at the 2021 USATF Golden Games. DK Metcalf tried his best against the pros, Sha’Carri Richardson looks like the fastest woman alive, and more exciting results. Lyles stayed calm and composed in his one-piece leopard print kit from Adidas. While Bednarek lost control of his arms for a moment, causing a slight stumble at the end, Lyles stayed straight up and strong through the line. Those small intangible things are what will make or break an Olympic champion.
