Ever wondered where the seeds of a track legend are sown? For Kenny Bednarek, his tale began crafting itself in the lively little city of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Kenny’s story is a fascinating yet emotionally charged one that must be told. Born on October 14, 1998, Mary Bednarek adopted alongside fraternal twin Ian Kenny. This got them to move from the bustling noises of cityscapes in Tulsa to the quiet tranquility of Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

This move did not just bring a change of view, but marked the beginning of Kenny’s athletic journey. But how did this move shape him into an Olympic athlete? The answer, of course, lies in raw speed and skill. From the very first moment in second grade, when the brothers put on their running shoes, the magic started to unfold. Sounds like a perfect athletic movie, right? A small-town boy with big dreams sets off to achieve his goal with his brother by his side. So how exactly did this small-town setting become the launchpad for Kenny’s dreams?

Kenny’s early days and familial bonds

The answer, of course, lies in speed, talent, and a sprinkle of homegrown magic potion. Imagine this, a tight-knit community and a pair of energetic twins defying expectations in local sports! Well, that’s Kenny and Ian for you. It was in this quiet town that Kenny discovered his athletic potential. And no doubt his brother was with him every step of the way, helping him turn the stones of athletics into fun milestones.

Kenny’s journey however was not an easy one. Kenny and Ian were in the system, moving from one foster home to another for nearly 4 years. At the age of 4, their mother, Mary Bednarek adopted and brought the brothers home. The brothers also have two other adopted siblings. Talking about the same Kenny said, “The heart that my mum had, the perseverance to go through adopting four kids by herself and sticking it through… she’s inspired me to be a better person every single day.”

The bond the brothers share with their mother runs deeper than oceans can fathom! Kenny recalls the problems he faced during his early years. After Kenny was out of foster, he was facing the emotional repercussions of being in the system and having ADHD. But, “We worked through everything,” added Kenny. “And she’s inspired me to keep living my dream because I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Nailing classes and championships

When Kenny joined Rice Lake High School, it was that plot twist in the movie where things start to heat up. Did you know he won seven individual state titles in track and led his team to the 4×400 relay championship? His 20.43 in the 200 meters wasn’t just fast, it was the fastest high school time in the nation for 2018. Rice Lake had kindled his flame and Kenny was on fire! He also set all-class records in Wisconsin for the 200 and 400 meters. He also owns the Division 2 record for the 100 meters. Talk about making a champion!

Lighting fast ‘track’ moments

Ready for some jaw-dropping track feats? At the 2019 NJCAA Championships, Kenny clocked a time of 19.49 seconds in 200m. This put his name in sprinting history. It was recorded as the fourth-fastest 200 meters of all time! But wait, there’s more! Kenny didn’t just stop at the 200 meters; he also nailed the 400 meters clocking 44.73 seconds. He became the youngest to achieve a sub-20 and sub-45 times on the same day.

Kenny’s journey didn’t stop at collegiate wonders! In July 2019, Kenny signed with Nike and started to train under former world champion Justin Gatlin. Despite facing a pesky hamstring injury, he bounced back quickly. By August 2020, his speed was spoken about widely. He won 200m at the Star Athletics Sprint Showcase clocking 19.80 seconds. He sealed his place in sprinting with the same. His career skyrocketed from there. Who doesn’t remember the iconic race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics? Kenny won silver clocking 19.68 seconds in 200m. He did not stop there. He went on and win the 2022 Diamond League 200-meter season championship.

The year of 2024 has been a storm of the good kind for Kenny. He entered the Paris Olympics by winning a 2nd place in the 100m and 200m trials. He did so by nearly breaking Michael Johnson’s 28-year-old record in 200m. Kenny finished at 19.59, just behind Noah Lyles’ 19.53. And let’s not forget, he also blazed through the 100m final clocking 9.87 seconds. But did you know that before his wonders on track, Kenny was also on the football field?

A brief football career

Yes, you read that right. Kenny wasn’t just a track star; he also lit up the football field often. During his time at Rice Lake, he was no mere player but a true game-changer. He scored 17 touchdowns as a kick returner, wide receiver, and on jet sweeps. His senior year, was a celebrated one. Kenny aided Rice Lake Warriors to win state championships in track and football. Kenny’s journey from Tulsa to global athletics has been nothing short of miraculous. As he continues to shine on the world stage, fans and viewers are awaiting his next move!