Noah Lyles won the men’s 200m at the USA Track and Field Championships with a world-leading time of 19.63 seconds, overtaking Kenny Bednarek, who finished second in 19.67.
Post-race tension flared as Bednarek shoved Lyles at the finish line, prompting a heated exchange. The two later shook hands and agreed to talk it out.
“It’s been rough coming out here when you’re not 100 percent,” said Lyles, who’s battling an ankle injury.
- Lyles already had a bye to the World Championships in Tokyo as reigning champion.
- Bednarek had won the 100m earlier in the week.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden became the first woman since 2003 to sweep the 100m and 200m at the U.S. Championships, winning the 200m in 21.84.
- Gabby Thomas, the 200m Olympic champ, narrowly claimed third after a photo finish, edging out Brittany Brown by 0.001 seconds.
- Sha’Carri Richardson, recently arrested for domestic violence, failed to qualify in the 200m but is already guaranteed a 100m Tokyo berth.
Other highlights:
- Donavan Brazier returned after 3 years of injury to win the men’s 800m in 1:42.16.
- High schooler Cooper Lutkenhaus broke the U18 world record in the same race with 1:42.27.
- Roisin Willis won the women’s 800m in 1:59.26 after a strong final kick.
- Cole Hocker won the men’s 5,000m, following his bronze in the 1500m.
- Sandi Morris cleared 4.83m to win the women’s pole vault.
Ja’Kobe Tharp won the 110m hurdles, as Olympic champ Grant Holloway skipped the final (he already has a bye).