Kenny Bednarek: Why Lausanne Is Off His Schedule Despite USATF Fireworks

Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek has withdrawn from the 2025 Lausanne Diamond League, surprising fans weeks before the highly anticipated rematch against sprinting counterpart Noah Lyles.

The August 20 meet at the La Pontaise Olympic Stadium was to be a showdown between the two US sprinters after their heart-stopping finale at the USA Track and Field Championships.

At the USATF Nationals, the two clashed in an exciting 200m final. Lyles outpaced Bednarek with a time of 19.63 seconds, while Bednarek came in behind her with 19.67 seconds.

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But competition was not the only one that was dominating headlines — as soon as crossing the finish line, Lyles looked angrily at Bednarek, who pushed him.

The incident spiraled out of control and was a heated verbal confrontation, with whispers of a bitter rivalry being rumoured to have been brewing beforehand at Lausanne.

The world was holding its breath for the next chapter in this developing sprint drama, but Bednarek's Instagram post has brought all that drama screeching to a halt.

"Will not be racing in the Lausance Diamond League event. Coach's plan - Poland and World Championships next," wrote Bednarek, implying that the action was made with the intention of having more long-term concentrate at the cost of glitzy showdowns.

The 25-year-old athlete will now focus on the Silesia Diamond League meeting at Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Poland on August 16, followed by the World Championships in Tokyo from September 13 to 21.

The change, as proposed by his coach, appears strategic — avoiding Bednarek from being overworked for the season's biggest competitions.

His training schedule is shifting, but there is still tension from the USATF Championships. Following the race, Bednarek minced no words as he replied to Lyles' behavior throughout their intense showdown.

"Unsportsmanlike," he stated, in reference to Lyles' overt staring and post-race behavior in Eugene.

Their rivalry, as much as it is top-shelf, has quickly become personal. And while fans may not get the Lausanne showdown they wanted, everyone's eyes will now be on their potential rematch at Tokyo — maybe with even higher stakes.

Despite scandal, Bednarek left Eugene with a weekend full of success.

Outside of the 200m second-place finish, Bednarek won his first national championship in the 100m with a blistering personal best of 9.79 seconds.

This performance, combined with his 200m run and his contribution to the 4x100m relay, garnered him a triple qualification to run for Team USA in the World Championships.

In a flashback, Bednarek posted an emotional message on Instagram, emphasizing growth and resilience.

"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," he tweeted.

"This sport has a way of testing you. Last year had me in check, but also honed me. Every breakdown was a lesson and every race this season part of the climb back."

He also acknowledged coming up just short in the 200m final, but remained upbeat.

“I came up just short in the 200m final, but I’m happy with the performance and ready for the next one. I’m healthy, locked in and grateful for every step of this journey.”

Now that Lausanne is out of the running, Bednarek has his eye on Poland and the World Championships, where he will try to translate dazzling form into world gold — and perhaps re-spark the flame with Lyles in the world's brightest spotlight.