Rice Lake's Kenny Bednarek headed back to Olympics in 200 meters, where he won a silver medal in Tokyo

When Rice Lake High School alumnus Kenny Bednarek took silver in the 200 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he did so just ahead of USA teammate Noah Lyles, who settled for bronze. The two very much look like they're vying for the same prize in 2024 ... and one better.

Bednarek took second to Lyles in the 200 meter final at the U.S. track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday night, crossing the finish line in 19.59 seconds with Lyles reaching the tape at 19.53. With Erriyon Knighton crossing in 19.77, the Americans look like they have a real shot to sweep the podium in Paris.

Lyles' time is the fastest in the world thus far this year, and Bednarek's is second.

Returning to the Olympics is not a surprise in this event for Bednarek, but he gets the added bonus of also qualifying in the 100 meters, which he accomplished last week with another second-place finish behind Lyles.

"I felt like I was winning and pretty much just tightened at the end, so that's the only reason that he got me," Bednarek told reporters after. "I'm going to watch film and make sure not to tighten next time . He got the better of me this time. What matters is beating him at the Olympics.

"I showed the world I've got a lot in me. And I've got a lot more in the tank."

Bednarek holds the Division 2 state records in the 100, 200 and 400 meters at the WIAA state meet, breaking the all-division record in the latter two races. The 200 mark had stood since 1998, established by Bradley Tech star and future NFL player Michael Bennett.