Who is Kenny Bednarek? What to know about Rice Lake, Wisconsin, native competing in two events at 2024 Paris Olympics

By JR Radcliffe Milwaukee Journal July 26, 2024

Starting Aug. 3 with the preliminary round of the men's 100-meter dash, Rice Lake's Kenny Bednarek will return to the Olympics stage, looking to replicate what he did in 2021 and bring a medal back to Wisconsin.

Here's what to know about the sprinter, who'll appear in two events this Olympics in Paris:

How old is Kenny Bednarek?

He's 25 years old, turning 26 in October.

Where is Kenny Bednarek from?

The sensational sprinter attended Rice Lake High School in Wisconsin, about two hours northeast of Minneapolis. He and fraternal twin brother Ian were born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and adopted by their mother, Mary.

In high school, Bednarek's performances at the state track and field meet were a sight to behold. He won three straight titles in the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes and one in the 100 meters for good measure, breaking the 400 record as as sophomore (46.82 seconds), matching that mark as a junior and breaking it again as a senior in prelims (46.73).

As a senior, his time of 20.43 seconds in the 200 shattered an all-division record that was previously regarded as one of the more hallowed marks in WIAA history, the 20.68 seconds by Bradley Tech's Michael Bennett in 1988. Bennett went on to become a running back at the University of Wisconsin and one-time NFL Pro Bowler over 10 seasons, mostly with the Minnesota Vikings.

Bennett's time of 10.33 in the 100 remained safe, though Bednarek's 10.42 in that event was still good for the Division 2 record. There are three divisions in Wisconsin track and field, based on school size.

Where did Kenny Bednarek go to college?

Bednarek didn't qualify academically for a four-year university and instead attended Indian Hills Community College in Iowa before turning professional at age 20.

In 2019, Bednarek became the youngest and only American athlete to run sub-20 and sub-45 times in 200-meter and 400-meter outdoor events on the same day, competing during the NJCAA Division I outdoor championships. It was a performance that put Bednarek on the national map.

Kenny Bednarek won silver in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, and now he's going back to the Olympics in two events

Bednarek won silver in Tokyo in the 200 meters, his best and only event at those games, behind only Canada's Andre De Grasse and ahead of American teammate Noah Lyles, who's notably the favorite to win both the 100 and 200 at this year's Olympics. Lyles won the U.S. Trials in the event that cycle and did so again this year, crossing in 19.53 seconds while Bednarek took second at 19.59.

Bednarek's time was the second-fastest in the world, obscured only by the fact that his Team USA teammate was just a touch faster.

The time was still a personal best for Bednarek, just as his time was in the 100 meters at the 2024 U.S. Trials, a finish of 9.87 seconds that was good for another silver.

Kenny Bednarek has adopted the 'Kung-Fu Kenny' persona

Stemming from his frequent use of headbands while competing, Bednarek has adopted the "Kung-Fu Kenny" persona, using it as his social-media handle.

His dog, named Rambo, is another nod to his frequent usage of headbands, a style reminiscent of the Sylvester Stallone character of the same name.

The headband and "Kung-Fu Kenny" are a prevailing theme in his merchandise.

Is Kenny Bednarek sponsored by Nike?

Yes, and he'll be wearing some specialty Nike track spikes when competing in the Olympics.

When will Kenny Bednarek compete at the Olympics?

Bednarek will compete in the 100 meters beginning with preliminaries Aug. 3. If he advances, he'll run in the Aug. 4 semifinals and finals, with the last race at 2:50 p.m. CT. The 200 meters will hold its first round Aug. 5, with the semifinal Aug. 7 and the final at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8.

Will Kenny Bednarek also compete in a relay?

We don't know the exact lineups yet, but if he's selected for a relay, the 4x100 race will hold its final Aug. 8, and the 4x400 will run Aug. 10. Judging by his post from Paris on Thursday, when he indicated "Relay camp done," it's safe to say he's in the conversation.