American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has thrown his weight behind Kenny Bednarek, tipping him to challenge Noah Lyles not only in speed but also in charisma and showmanship. This bold prediction comes after Bednarek’s electrifying performance at the Kingston Grand Slam Track meet, where he dominated the sprints.
Bednarek stole the spotlight at the Kingston Slam, sweeping both the 100m and 200m events in commanding fashion. But it wasn’t just his speed that turned heads, it was his ability to entertain.
The 25-year-old sprinter embraced the role of a showman, unveiling his signature headgear in a theatrical fashion that even caught Gatlin’s attention.
During an episode of The Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin recounted how Bednarek made a statement before even stepping on the track.
“Kenny understood the assignment from beginning to end, on the track and off the track,” Gatlin said.
“At the press conference and red carpet photo shoot, he showed up dressed to impress, accompanied by a photographer dressed in all black and wearing a mask, carrying a bulletproof case. Inside was the official Kenny Bednarek headband, unveiled as part of his Grand Slam campaign.”
Bednarek’s victories in Kingston came against elite competition, including Jamaican speedster Oblique Seville and former world champion Fred Kerley—both of whom are expected to be major contenders at the Paris Olympics. His dominant display sent a clear message to Lyles, the reigning world champion in the 100m and 200m.
Rodney Green, Gatlin’s co-host, didn’t mince words about what Bednarek’s performance means for Lyles.
“Kung Fu Kenny came through with the hat trick—the 100m and 200m. He’s letting everyone know, ‘I ain’t scared.’ This makes me even more excited to see Noah now. Like, where’s Noah at? This is definitely a situation for him,” Green remarked.
The budding rivalry between Bednarek and Lyles reached new heights last season, with both athletes experiencing dramatic highs and lows. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lyles struck gold in the 100m, while Bednarek finished seventh. However, Bednarek changed the narrative in the 200m, winning silver, while Lyles took bronze behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo.