Until you hear their true story, you can’t really put yourself in their shoes or understand what it’s like to be a child without parents. Kenny Bednarek’s journey is a perfect example of how adoption shaped him into the track and field star he is today. Growing up, he and his twin brother, Ian, were shipped from one foster home to another, never knowing where they’d land next.

Since they were abandoned by their biological parents and left to figure it out on their own, Bednarek’s been pretty upfront about it, saying, “I was a troubled kid. My birth parents put me and my brother out for adoption.” It’s clear that he and Ian had to weather a storm before they found their footing. But Kenny Bednarek’s life took a turn for the better when they were adopted by Mary Bednarek at just four years old, but building that bond took some time.

Over time, they managed to resolve their challenges and found a sense of balance when Mary relocated them from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Rice Lake in Wisconsin to be nearer to her family. As Kenny Bednarek entered his teenage years, he was prepared to concentrate on his aspirations. Despite not being his mother, Mary remained steadfast in her support for him, and ultimately, that made him a track and field.

The 26-year-old knows how it feels to be without the biological parents. Recently, he shared a photo of his family on Instagram, which includes his twin brother, Ian, and two sisters. As we know, November is the month of adoption, and Bednarek, in the same spirit, wrote, “November is National Adoption Month, and it’s important for me to recognize the role adoption played in my life. My mom adopted my siblings and me from foster care. I believe that’s one of the reasons I am here today. Having a safe, permanent home gave me the foundation to chase after my dreams.”

He further added that he’s proud to partner with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to help raise awareness about the urgent need for foster care adoption. The foundation has already helped find forever families for more than 14,000 children across the U.S. and Canada, and they’re not stopping anytime soon. He thanked everyone for caring about kids like him who need a place to call home, saying, “Your support might just help raise the next Olympic track star! #adoption.” But for him- a Two-time Olympic track and field medalist, the most important thing was making his mom proud, and he did, which brought tears to his mom’s eyes.

The unbreakable bond between track and field star and his mom

Back in 2023, at the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, where Kenny Bednarek participated in a track and field event, a hushed crowd surrounded him, yet his mother’s cheering voice cut through the silence. Bednarek chuckled as he remembered the scene, saying, “She was like, ‘Go, Kenny!’” Bednarek laughs, recalling the moment. “And in my head, I’m like, ‘Mom, shhh!’” The strong connection between the 26-year Olympic silver medalist and his adoptive mother, Mary, is truly reflected in the meaningful moments they share together.

After taking in Kenny and his twin brother Ian from foster care, Mary helped guide them through their early challenges, including ADHD and the emotional scars of their turbulent beginnings. Her unconditional love inspired Kenny Bednarek every step of the way. “I wouldn’t be here without her,” he says.

It wasn’t long before Bednarek realized that track and field was his true calling. Throughout high school, he played football and ran track, but it was the track where he really found his peace. “That’s the thing I love about track and field: Everything you put into it, you’re going to get it back,” he says. Then, it came a time to make his single mother, Mary, proud, and he did.

After winning the silver in the 200 meters at the Paris Olympics, Kenny Bednarek’s mom, Mary, was overwhelmed with emotion. Walking the streets of Paris, she spoke to TMJ4’s Lance Allan, her pride evident in every word. “I cried, I was overwhelmed,” she said. “It was beautiful. I’m so proud of him,” she remembered how, after the semifinals, the 26-year-old left with a big smile on his face, which reassured her that he was mentally prepared for the final.

Mary’s experience watching the final was unlike anything she’d ever known. She had a unique vantage point, seated in Row 69, “the highest I’ve ever been in a stadium,” she said with a laugh. Despite being seated way in the stands, Kenny’s silver medal held a significance for her that extended beyond just a victory. Mary felt a sense of fulfillment from the care and support she had given him throughout the years. She had consistently been there for him as his pillar of strength and encouragement in all aspects of life and sports activities such as track and field events.