Noah Lyles may very well be track and field’s tour de force, but a newer, younger and a fiercer contender lies in the shadows, 6 foot 2 and all of 25 no less. Olympic silver medallist Kenny Bednarek sprinted to victory in the men’s 200m race at the 2024 Diamond League Prefontaine Classic on 25th May, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 19.89 seconds. This triumph adds to his earlier win in Doha, solidifying his dominance in the series. However, what’s perhaps even more remarkable about Bednarek’s journey is that his passion for track and field wasn’t his first love, despite his exceptional talent in the sport.

Bednarek’s initial love for football as a talented wide receiver in high school saw him lead the Rice Lake Warriors to state championships in both football and track during his senior year. Despite holding impressive records in football, he made the decisive switch to track and field. This transition was fueled by a setback, which ignited a newfound passion and ultimately led him to pursue excellence in track and field.

Bednarek’s track and field awakening came after he faced a defeat

In a recent episode of the YouTube podcast “Track World News” titled “Kenny Bednarek is Coming For it ALL!” the host delved into Kenny’s journey into track and field, asking him why he chose this path over his initial love for football. Kenny’s response was laced with raw honesty and determination, as he reflected, “I always said that football was my first love, but I knew the track was the route I was gonna go.” He vividly recounted the physicality of football, how he relished the challenge of breaking through tackles, but it was a pivotal moment in his freshman year, facing defeat in the Junior Olympics in track and field, that ignited a relentless fire within him.

“I got my b**t whooped,” he admitted candidly. This was during the Junior Olympics, and that ignited his desire further to give it his all. “And I think that just set a fire that just wanted me to, you know, every single time I get on the track, I just wanna improve and be the best.” – he bemoaned. His experience on the track and field, coupled with the setback in the Junior Olympics, served as catalysts for his unwavering pursuit of excellence in track and field. He seems to be the one with fire in his belly and not one to back down from challenges. However, Bednarek is also aiming to secure a spot in the coveted Paris 2024 Olympics.

Will Kenny Bednarek secure his Paris ticket?

Throughout his journey, he has participated in the Men’s 200m category in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Among his accolades shines a solitary silver medal, earned in the fiercely competitive 2022 Men’s 200m race. As Bednarek prepares for the upcoming 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials taking place from June 21, to 30, the big question arises; will he earn his spot in Paris?

The sprinting scene in the U.S. Has definitely gotten stronger over the cycle, largely due to the impressive presence of Noah Lyles. Despite this competition, Bednarek stays focused on his path avoiding distractions as he works on perfecting his skills. Bednarek has acknowledged the increasing talent in the 100m and 200m races of the intense competition that lies ahead.

“Every single year, it seems like there’s always a new contender,” he remarked. “Especially in the 100m and 200m, there are so many phenomenal athletes.” Bednarek confidently faces the competition, underscoring his dedication to performing at his best every time he hits the track. His main focus is staying authentic, to himself and his path aiming for self-improvement and joy as he chases his aspirations.