The rivalry between American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles has taken a dramatic turn following their fiery encounter at the US Championships, with Jamaican fans now throwing their support behind Bednarek ahead of the 2025 World Championships.
Tensions flared after Lyles edged out Bednarek in the 200m final and appeared to give him a cheeky stare at the finish line. Bednarek responded with a shove, sparking a heated exchange between the two sprinters. While Lyles called for an apology, Bednarek stood his ground, claiming he had been disrespected by the three-time world champion.
This altercation has only added fuel to an already simmering rivalry as both athletes prepare for another showdown at the global stage. But beyond the United States, the spat has caught the attention of Jamaican fans — and it appears they’ve chosen their side.
Jamaicans have long had a rocky relationship with Lyles, particularly following his triumphs over their own athletes at major competitions. That tension intensified around the 2024 Paris Olympics, when Lyles claimed that his Jamaican fiancée, Junelle Bromfield, had given him inside knowledge about Team Jamaica ahead of the 100m final. Lyles would go on to defeat Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson for the Olympic gold, further souring his image in Jamaica.
Now, many Jamaican fans are rallying behind Bednarek, flooding his social media with messages of support. His decision to celebrate his World Championships qualification using a popular Jamaican dancehall track — Mute by Masicka — only strengthened the bond with fans who applauded his music choice and praised his humility.
One supporter wrote, “Since we as Jamaicans don’t like Noah, we approve the song choice and we’re backing you at the World Championship in the 200m.” Others encouraged Bednarek to visit Jamaica, enjoy local cuisine like yellow yam and steam snapper, and promised that it would power him past Lyles on the track.
With the rivalry heating up and national pride on the line, all eyes will be on the upcoming showdown. Can Bednarek dethrone the reigning sprint king, or will Lyles continue his dominant run on the global stage?
