Athletics-Lyles clocks world's fastest 200m this year in heated U.S. trials race

FILE PHOTO: London Stadium, London, Britain - July 19, 2025 Lyles Noah of the U.S. reacts after the Men's 100m final Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo

(Reuters) -Noah Lyles surged past Kenny Bednarek to win a heated 200-metre race in a world-leading time at the USA Track and Field Championships on Sunday, turning to stare down Bednarek as the sprint rivals crossed the finish line.

Lyles, the three-times world champion in the event, trailed coming off the bend but stormed to the front to cross in 19.63 seconds, the fastest time in the world this season in a huge statement ahead of next month's World Championships in Tokyo.