As Kenny Bednarek stepped into the French capital, he knew he wanted to clinch the coveted gold. After all, who would want to be known as “Mr. Silver” on the track. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned for him at Stade de France. Although the Summer Games are now a distant memory, most of what we’ve heard so far revolves around the exciting results and post-race interviews. As if that weren’t enough, his Instagram posts continue to give us glimpses of the whirlwind he experienced in Paris.

However, Netflix’s SPRINT gives us a completely different perspective. The crew followed several track and field stars throughout their journey at the Olympic Trials and Games. So, get ready for some behind-the-scenes glimpses and everything else in between. The sprinter contested in three events at the Games and clinched a shiny Olympic silver medal by the end of it. However, there’s one man who helped him achieve it all. Who was it? 

Kenny Bednarek is no ordinary sprinter

At the 2020 Tokyo Games, the 26-year-old had to settle for a silver-place finish in the 200m. But he believed that Paris would shake things up. Although, he wasn’t the only one. In episode 4 of Netflix’s documentary, coach Dennis Mitchell reveals what he thinks of the Olympian. “Kenny is a very, very gifted and talented individual,” he stated in the sit-down interview. Even though his time in the Japanese capital wasn’t too bad, the sprinter knew he had to make a few changes for Paris. 

The Olympian wanted to put his best foot forward and prove to the world that he could bag the Olympic gold. He switched his lifestyle, diet, and work habits to prepare for the world’s grandest stage. Through it all, Coach Mitchell was right by his side. However, they don’t have an ordinary relationship. The coach reiterated, “With Kenny, I feel like that father figure.” While that hasn’t affected their training style, it did turn the duo into a well-oiled machine. Yet, the sprinter’s hunger for the coveted prize had a deeper meaning. 

Kenny Bednarek has never shied away from discussing his adoption. His foster mother, Mary, went to great lengths to ensure he could thrive and pursue his passions. Yet, there was one path the sprinter always hoped to explore—reconnecting with his siblings. Every time he stepped onto the track, he felt free, as though nothing could hold him back. At the same time, the 26-year-old believed that winning gold would bring him closer to his roots. And he came so close to achieving that dream—until it slipped right out of his grasp.

Dennis Mitchell soothes the dejected sprinter after heartbreaking loss

The sprinter’s first shot at the prize came on August 4, during one of the most anticipated events at Stade de France. The 100m finals are always electrifying, and this was the 26-year-old’s moment to shine. In just 9.92 seconds, all eight competitors crossed the finish line—but he wasn’t among the top three. So, how did he fare? The sprinter finished seventh, clocking an impressive 9.88 seconds. Here’s the twist: that time would have earned him a bronze medal just three years ago.

Shell-shocked and disappointed, Kenny Bednarek found solace in Dennis Mitchell. In 2019, he became the first American athlete to break 20 seconds in the 200m and 45 seconds in the 400m on the same day at the NJCAA Championships in Hobbs, New Mexico. Understandably, he expected a better result. “I’m tired of losing,” he confessed with his head in his hands. Yet, his coach believed otherwise. He reassured the Olympian that he did his best, but this wasn’t the end.

It was just the first race. They could always come back stronger than ever. 24 hours later, the duo were back in training, and his coach only had one thing to say to him. “That feeling that we had last night? We don’t want to throw it out there today.” The 200m has always been the Olympian’s best event, and Mitchell wanted to ensure they were as ready as ever. In fact, he punched his ticket to the French capital with a personal best of 19.59 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. 

“What I want you to focus on is your execution. What I tell you to do, I want you to follow those instructions to the T, every single race,” the coach explained. It seemed to have worked! Kenny Bednarek burst off the blocks in the 200m finals. While he narrowly missed out on gold to Letsile Tebogo, who set an African record of 19.46 seconds, Bednarek clinched another silver medal with an impressive 19.62 seconds. However, the sprinter will have plenty more chances to claim that elusive gold. And when he does, Dennis Mitchell will undoubtedly be right by his side.