Kenny Bednarek - A Relentless Force

“Coming from the foster care system, a community college,

and the small town of Rice Lake doesn’t limit how great you

can become. I want to be the best to ever do it, to give back to

my community, and inspire the next generation.”
 

This sentiment truly captures the essence of Kung Fu

Kenny. While the kid from Wisconsin may have entered

the scene as an underdog, he has firmly established

himself as a formidable threat each time he steps on the

track. With a history of remarkable performances, Kenny

Bednarek has garnered not only a loyal following but

also a slew of titles and accolades.

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He's a two-time Olympic silver medalist, ten-time

Diamond League winner, World Championship silver

medalist, two-time Diamond League Champion, and

currently ranks #2 globally in the men's 200m.

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Although Kenny makes it look easy, his success

certainly didn't happen overnight. It's been a relentless

pursuit for this tenacious young athlete as he strives for

greatness.

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Bednarek first stole the spotlight in 2020 when he took

home silver for the USA in the 200m at the Tokyo

Olympics. This tremendous achievement set the stage

for a record year in 2021, marked by four Diamond

League wins in Lausanne, Zurich, Doha, and Gateshead,

as well as a win in the World Continental in Ostrava.

Reinforcing his elite status, the former World #1 had the

distinction of being awarded “Most Consistent Track

and Field Athlete,” and was crowned Diamond League

Champion.

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Following that spectacular season, Kung Fu Kenny

ensured his name was not to be forgotten. Despite

seemingly insurmountable odds, he claimed silver in the

2022 World Championships 200m- just seven months

after fracturing a toe- and acquired two Diamond League

wins in Rabat and Rome. He demonstrated his resilience

once again in 2023, when he ensured his place on the

USA team in the 200m shortly after suffering a grade

two hamstring strain and a grade three fascia tear.

Undeterred by these unfortunate circumstances, Kenny

placed fifth in the 200m at the World Championships

and went on to secure the Diamond League title for the

200m in Brussels.

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Injuries are an unfortunate reality for most athletes.

When oftentimes it’s not a matter of if obstacles will be

faced but rather when, the mark of a true champion is in

how he responds to those challenges. If one thing can be

said for Kenny Bednarek, it's that he will always rise to

the challenge.

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When asked about his competitive edge, Kenny

emphasizes that it’s not any one factor but a powerful

combination of multiple components that keeps him at

the top of his game. His approach to training combines

natural talent with a rigorous work ethic, a focus on

nutrition, and a prioritization of mental health. He

balances his athletic commitments with time spent with

friends and family while enjoying various hobbies -

embodying the idea that rest is just as crucial as hard

embodying the idea that rest is just as crucial as hard

work.

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It should be noted that Kenny's Northern upbringing and

Midwestern values have deeply shaped him as both an

individual and an athlete. Bednarek is recognized for his

humility, honesty, unparalleled work ethic, and deep

commitment to family and community.

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While his natural ability was evident from early on,

Kenny has never taken this for granted. One of

Bednarek's defining qualities is his inner drive. Rather

than relying on external influences, it's his desire for

excellence and commitment to being the best that

propels him forward.

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Year after year, this world-class athlete has exceeded

expectations, so it should come as no surprise that 2024

would be the pinnacle of his success. With four personal

bests and two prestigious titles added to his collection,

this season is undeniably the best of his career.

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He began the year with an impressive 100m victory at

the World Continental Tour in Kenya, followed by a

personal best of 19.67 and a win at the Doha Diamond

League. Bednarek continued his success with another

victory at the Prefontaine Diamond League and set two

more personal records during the Olympic trials,

clocking 9.87 in the 100m and 19.59 in the 200m. For

the first time, he qualified for all three Olympic teams

(100m, 200m, and 4x100m) and secured silver in the

men’s 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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In a stunning finale, he achieved his fourth personal best

at the Zurich Diamond League with a time of 19.57 in

the 200m. Bednarek capped off an extraordinary season

by winning the Diamond League meet in Brussels and

receiving the title of Diamond League Champion once

receiving the title of Diamond League Champion once

again.

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Kung Fu Kenny has dazzled all season, and his future is

looking especially bright. He is one of the first male

sprinters to sign with Grand Slam Track, a global

professional track league that boasts matchups between

the fastest stars in the sport. With its inaugural season set

for spring 2025, Bednarek states “Leading by example

is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I want to be

a part of the history, change, and growth of this sport.

I'm looking forward to pushing my limits and putting on

a show for the fans.”

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Beyond this exciting new venture, Kenny is poised for

his next challenge in 2025. There is mounting

anticipation as the World Championships in Tokyo

approaches. Bednarek isn't just aiming for gold in the

200m—he's targeting gold across all three events. And

after showcasing what he's capable of this year, facing

this silent warrior is a daunting prospect for any

opponent.