Kenny Bednarek Responds to Noah Lyles’ Grand Slam Snub: “We’re Here to Grow the Sport”
Track and field is seeing a shake-up, and at the center of it is Michael Johnson’s bold new venture: Grand Slam Track. With four meets across four cities, 96 elite athletes, and a $12.6 million prize pool, the initiative aims to revolutionize the sport’s landscape. But despite its growing momentum, one glaring name is missing—Noah Lyles.
The reigning World Champion and Olympic medalist has declined to join the Grand Slam Track, and he’s been vocal about why. In a podcast with Cam Newton, Lyles said, “You’re not giving it monetarily. So what would I be doing it for?” He questioned the league’s visibility and its value to his personal brand, stating that the offer he received didn’t reflect his market worth.
<strong>Kenny Bednarek Fires Back</strong>
Meanwhile, Kenny Bednarek—who’s dominated all three Grand Slam meets so far—didn’t hold back when asked about Lyles’ stance during a CBC Sports interview with Aaron Brown and Perdita Felicien.
“I mean, like I said, he has a reason about why he doesn’t want to show up,” Bednarek acknowledged. “But at the end of the day, we want the sport to grow.” For Bednarek, being part of Grand Slam Track is about more than money—it’s about legacy. “We have athletes here that actually want to help grow the sport. So that’s all I got to say to that.”
<strong>Noah’s Rejection: A Matter of Value</strong>
Lyles has emphasized that his issue isn’t with the concept—it’s with the compensation. Recalling an early conversation with Michael Johnson, he shared, “He gave me a number and we said that number is not a fraction of what my worth is right now.” For someone who’s built a global brand around personality and performance, exposure and payout are key.
<strong>Bednarek’s Reign Continues</strong>
While the debate rages off the track, Bednarek continues his on-track dominance. In Kingston, he clocked 10.07 in the 100m and 20.07 in the 200m. In Miami, he upped the ante with a wind-aided 9.79 and a stunning 19.84 in the 200m. And in Philadelphia, he delivered a personal best of 9.86 seconds in the 100m, alongside another 200m win at 19.95s.
With three Slams down and one to go, Bednarek remains undefeated—and unbothered by who’s not in the race. The real question now is: can he keep the streak alive in the final meet?
<strong>The Bigger Question</strong>
As the Grand Slam Track inches closer to its finale, the spotlight isn’t just on Bednarek’s times—it’s also on what the league means for the sport’s future. Is Noah Lyles right to protect his personal brand at the cost of skipping out on a new movement? Or is Bednarek’s stance the one that pushes track and field forward?
One thing is clear: both athletes are racing toward greatness—just on different tracks.