For Team USA’s men’s relay squad, the Paris Olympics was supposed to be a moment of redemption. With an impressive roster of sprinters and high hopes pinned on a podium finish, the team seemed determined to break their long-standing medal drought in the 4×100-meter relay. But unfortunately, their hopes were dashed and the drought continued to reign over the US men’s relay team. As fans were left disheartened by the performance and disqualification of the team, Kenny Bednarek came under the fiery backlash of netizens.

The dreams of the US men’s 4×100 meter relay team were shattered by a familiar foe, a disastrous baton exchange. Since 1995, such an unfortunate setback reoccurred for the 11th time. The stage was set for Fred Kerley and the team. Kenny Bednarek, who has been considered one of Team USA’s brightest stars, had a major role to play, but unfortunately, he did not shine on the track. 

Bednarek and Coleman’s baton error cost Team USA the 4×100 meter relay, resulting in disqualification

Fresh off a silver medal in the 200-meter dash in Paris, expectations were sky-high for Bednarek. The nation was indeed looking forward to the team finally bringing home a relay medal, a feat that has eluded the US men’s team since the 2004 Athens Olympics. Back in 2004 Justin Gatlin, Maurice Greene, Coby Miller, and Shawn Crawford secured the silver for the USA in the 4×100 meter relay.

Noah Lyles was unable to participate in the 4×100 meter relay as he contracted COVID-19 and was unfit to race after the 200-meter event. Although this left track enthusiasts in dismay, they had their hopes high and expected a curse-breaking performance from the men. However, a split-second miscalculation during the first baton handoff between Christian Coleman and Bednarek led to an unfortunate collision. Following the collision, the baton exchange occurred outside the designated zone. This ultimately resulted in Team USA’s disqualification from the men’s 4×100 meter relay.

In the aftermath of the race, Kenny Bednarek took to social media to express his feelings regarding a matter he was not satisfied with. Bednarek’s X post read, “No flight upgrade after a silver medal 🙁”. While Kenny resorted to the social media world to vent his thoughts, the online world’s palpable disappointment made its way to the comment section of Kung Fu Kenny’s post.

Kenny Bednarek faces fiery backlash for relay slip-up from netizens

The track world who pinned their hopes on the men’s relay team to break the relay curse were already grappling with disappointment. And hardly had Kenny posted on X when fans flocked to the comment section and shared their two cents.

One fan responded to Kenny’s tweet and sarcastically commented, “Maybe they’re relay fans 😬”. Playing on the fact that the men’s relay team has consistently faced mishaps, leading to disqualification and a continued medal drought the X user humorously added that Bednarek did not get a flight upgrade as the authorities are relay fans.

Another track enthusiast tried to highlight the probable reason behind Kenny not getting a flight upgrade. The user wrote, “They are angry about the relay thing, my Champ.” The frustration of fans over Team USA’s disqualification in the 4x100m relay, especially because of Kenny Bednarek and Christian Coleman’s baton disaster has been highlighted in the responses of the fans.

While another fan instead of expressing their dismay over the loss of the men’s USA team in relay, expressed a personal opinion and added that Kenny Bednarek has been expecting too much. They tried to highlight that Bednarek asking for a flight upgrade did not seem justified to them. The comment read, “You guys expect too much. Be content at least.”

Reflecting on Kenny’s comment another fan wanted to know if Lyles too is accompanying Bednarek on the same flight. “I hope Lyles is sitting next to you with his bronze, or it would be a tragedy 😒”, wrote the user. The fan’s probable disappointment on Noah Lyles’ performance in the 200-meter dash top was highlighted in this comment. 

Adding a playful jab, another netizen added a personal opinion and mentioned that Kenny should be thankful that he was not made to travel on the wing of the airplane after the disastrous baton exchange that led to Team USA’s disqualification. “Bro’s lucky they didn’t make him ride on the wing after that handoff”, mentioned the fan.

Yet, despite all the setbacks and backlash Kenny Bednarek has made a huge promise to his nation. Bednarek stated, “LA 2028 is in my sights and I’m aiming for one thing: 3 gold medals. I’m filled with gratitude for this incredible journey. Walking onto the track and hearing the crowd roar my name every single time is a feeling I’ll never forget”. Keeping his aim fixed at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Bednarek is gearing up to prove his worth after four years.