Kenny Bednarek has been nothing short of impressive in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The athlete who won the silver in Tokyo wants another medal this time and looks set to do so. During the first round of 200 meters, he posted the fastest time with 19.96 seconds. This meant that he would automatically qualify for the semi-finals. Bednarek wouldn’t disappoint in that round either as he finished first in his heat with 20.00 seconds. This heat also had Tokyo Gold medalist Andre Degrasse who couldn’t make the last eight after a time of 20.41 seconds. Alexander Ogando from the Dominican Republic got the second spot with a time of 20.09 seconds.

Bednarek’s figures were the second fastest in all heats combined. He would not be blamed for dreaming about a podium finish in the finals. He missed out on the same in the 100m as he finished seventh but can right that wrong in the longer format. It would be interesting to see if he can execute the same performance in the finals as it’s not easy. But Bednarek has grown up with a lot of hardships. Throughout them all, he has had constant support systems. Who were these stand back supporters of the athelete?

Meet Kenny Bednarek’s mother who adopted him from a foster home

Kenny Bednarek’s journey to athletic stardom is as inspiring as it is heart-wrenching. His early childhood was a tumultuous whirlwind, spent bouncing between foster homes with his twin brother, Ian. The instability was jarring, making it hard for the young boys to understand or adapt to their ever-changing environments. The bond between the brothers, forged in the fires of shared hardship, remains unbreakable. Together, they navigated the instability of foster care and the adjustments of adoption, finding solace and strength in each other. Salvation came at the age of four when Mary Bednarek adopted them, offering a semblance of stability they had never known.

Adjusting to life with Mary wasn’t without its challenges. “Our relationship took some time to get some stability in it, but eventually we worked through it,” Kenny reflects. Moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Mary’s family resided, marked a turning point. Despite Kenny’s rebellious streak and the inevitable growing pains, a bond slowly began to form between him and his adoptive mother. Mary’s lighthearted quip to Kenny, “You were so much trouble from Day One, but the moment you started to behave yourself, you had to up and leave and go to college?!” captures the bittersweet evolution of their relationship.

It was in college that Kenny discovered his passion for track and field, a love that would define his future. Throughout his journey, Mary has been his unwavering pillar of support. “She’s inspired me to keep living my dream because I wouldn’t be here without her,” Kenny shares, highlighting the deep gratitude and affection he holds for the woman who gave him a second chance at life.

Meet Kenny Bednarek’s coach, Dennis Mitchell, who helped him achieve big in track

Kenny Bednarek is coached by Dennis Mitchell. He is a NCAA champion and a World Championship gold medalist. Mitchell also won the bronze medal in the 100m race at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. In the same event, he won the gold medal in the 4×100 relay. While his career would be marred by suspension due to doping, his achievements in the field can’t be forgotten.

He met Bednarek after the Tokyo silver medalist signed his professional contract with Nike and went to train in Florida. After meeting each other there, they’ve never separated and have enjoyed a great coaching relationship. Under him, Bednarek has already achieved numerous accolades and is about to compete for his second Olympic medal. Mitchell is one of his pillars of support alongside his mother and brother. All of them will back him no matter what happens.