One of the most established names in the track and field world, Kenny Bednarek, has recently been on the pedestal and under the pressures of the upcoming season. Before any assumptions, facts—He’s considered among the best of the best sprinters in the world, being consistently placed among the topmost in international competitions. Bednarek is popular for his speed combined with diverse techniques used in sprinting and has claimed numerous achievements to date. He has dominated most of the 200m and 400m events. During the Tokyo Olympics 2020, he secured a bronze medal in the 200m. His achievements make him a key figure in the sports world. But, even stars have to burn to shine bright.

Bednarek faces mental battles, especially when recovering from a challenging season. After a rollercoaster year of injuries and setbacks, Bednarek’s focus has shifted to his mind and body. He’s working through his frustrations, making himself ready for the next season. Kenny’s peak form is difficult to regain, but he’s at it. Focusing not just on physical recovery but a mental peak feat.

Bednarek on expressing his setbacks

“It’s like a mental battle. As soon as I open up my stride, automatically I’m going to run faster, and I’m trying not to. I know I can hit those paces consistently, but I’m just trying to work within the system right now. It’s not the time to try to be a practice hero. These workouts take some time to get used to, especially the stop-and-go sprinting,” says Kenny Bednarek during an interview posted on his YouTube channel (Kenny Bednarek, OLY), expressing the mental struggles. After a tough season, mostly injuries and challenges came in his way.

This season has particularly been low for Bednarek. In the 100m men’s final at the Paris Olympics, Bednarek finished in seventh position, clocking 9.88 seconds. He called it a “mental screw-up.” Although he won silver in the 200m event. Another blunder of the season happened when he was competing in the Silesia Diamond League, clocking 20 seconds in the 200m, making it one of his slowest timings of the season. Which also raised concern about injury and fatigue.

Bednarek’s body knows how to push harder, but his mind tells him to hold back. “As soon as I open up my stride, automatically I’m going to run faster, and I’m trying not to,” he admits, recognizing that the instinct to accelerate could lead him down the wrong path. Bednarek knows he has the ability to reach peak speeds but also acknowledges that training within a structured system is what will truly ensure his success.

Mastering both mental and physical realms, Kenny Bednarek has plans

Even in the previous season, in 2023, Bednarek struggled with his strategy and constantly battled through injury and inconsistency. He dealt with a hamstring injury that derailed his performance at the Silesia Diamond League that was organized in August. Later on, as he returns to full training, he is sure to avoid burnout or further injury. “These workouts take some time to get used to, especially the stop-and-go sprinting,” he explains.

Kenny Bednarek is implying a steady approach for building a stronger foundation. Which is, in fact, working wonders for him. He excelled in this season at the U.S. Trials, creating personal bests of 19.59 seconds in the 200m and 9.87 in the 100m. Before he makes a solid return, he’s building his strength again, with steady wins on the way.

Bednarek’s journey has its ups and downs, and he’s facing everything head-on. During his peak time he has delivered exceptional results. He cracked the code of being the number 1 sprinter in the 200m category by recording 12 sub-20-second performances, and guess what? 80% of those were wind-legal, making his skills and consistency evident. For him it’s also about the mental discipline required to balance his instincts with the long-term goal of becoming even stronger. While focusing on patience and self-control, he works through this mental battle and commits to steady victories. Bednarek is mastering both the mind and body to reach the pinnacle of his performance, better than ever, once again.