American sprinter slams Noah Lyles ‘favouritism’ at Paris Games

Controversy has erupted between American teammates over perceived ‘favouritism’ in a glamour Paris Olympics event.

Kenny Bednarek (left) has blown up about perceived favouritism for compatriot Noah Lyles. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“Kung Fu Kenny” is not happy.

American sprinter Kenny Bednarek, who is known by the moniker above, is hoping to dethrone superstar compatriot Noah Lyles in the men’s 200m final at the Paris Olympics.

But Bednarek has thrown an accusation of “favouritism” towards Games organisers over the starting positions for the blue ribbon race at the Paris track.

While Lyles, who took out the 100m earlier at the Games and is aiming for the sprint double, has been handed a favourable lane 5 for the race, Bednarek was initially listed in the far outside lane 9.

The middle lanes 5-8 are considered the preferred positions for the quarter-lap event, as the inside and outside lanes have issues with visibility around the bend.

Kenny Bednarek (left) has blown up about perceived favouritism for compatriot Noah Lyles. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Bednarek, the silver medallist in the event from the Tokyo Olympics and the world’s second-ranked 200m runner behind Lyles, didn’t hold back on social media.

“Never seen favouritism like this on a global scale,” the 25-year-old wrote on X to his 20,000 followers.

The post had received 2,500 likes at the time of writing and over 130 comments, before one comment stated the starting positions had changed and Bednarek had been shifted to lane 8.

It appears the shift was made after Bednarek lodged a complaint, with the sprinter replying to the post showing the new lane positions: “I protested!”

Never seen favoritism like this on a global scale.

— Kung Fu Kenny (@kenny_bednarek) August 7, 2024

Bednarek, Erriyon Knighton and Letsile Tebogo all won their semi-final races, with the latter two given lanes six and seven respectively.

Lyles finished second to Tebogo in their semi-final.

The situation, and Bednarek’s accusation, drew mixed responses on X.

“(The protest) was unnecessary … now that he did that I want him beaten like in the 100m. If you’re talented you will win otherwise everybody would fight for the lanes,” was one comment.

“Go get that gold medal sir,” wrote another.

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (second from left) taking out a semi-final ahead of Lyles (fourth from left). (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP)

Lyles is aiming to add the 200m title to his 100m gold medal. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP)

“The track establishment is pushing for Lyles … ridiculous lane assignments,” suggested another.

“See this is the kind of stuff that makes you lose focus, you’re always looking at next man, you aren’t focused on you … you need to lock in, you got this man,” wrote a fourth.

“I mean if you’re the best you should be able to win from any lane, it’s the same distance lol,” declared another.

It all adds some extra spice to the race, which will set off at 4.30am AEST on Friday morning.