Two-time Olympic medalist Kenny Bednarek took to social media media to shower praise on his beloved mother Mary Ann Bednarek in a celebration that held double significance. Not only was it Mary Ann’s birthday, but it also coincided with International Mother’s Day, a rare and meaningful overlap that gave Kenny even more reason to honor the woman he credits as the foundation of his success.
Marking the special occasion, Kenny posted a candid photo of himself and Mary Ann together, their smiles reflecting a bond that runs deeper than medals and records.
“Happy Birthday and Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who means everything to me. Your strength, love and guidance are my greatest blessings. Celebrating you twice today still doesn’t feel like enough. I love you mom ❤️.”
For Bednarek, this tribute was a personal acknowledgment of the woman who has been with him at every step, cheering from the stands and quietly guiding from behind the scenes.
Long before he earned Olympic medals and shattered Diamond League records, Bednarek was a boy navigating the uncertainties of foster care. Alongside his twin brother, Ian, Kenny moved through the system in search of stability and someone to believe in him. That someone arrived in the form of Mary Ann Bednarek, who adopted both boys when Kenny was just four years old.
Since that moment, Mary Ann has been far more than a mother. She has been Kenny’s anchor, his most loyal Uupporter, and his fiercest protector. Her passion for his success is as visible as it is vocal. Mary Ann raises her voice from the bleachers, cheering with unrestrained pride that makes her stand out in every crowd.
Mary Ann’s unwavering belief in Kenny was on full display during the Paris Olympics last year when she witnessed her son win a silver medal in the 200 meters. Overwhelmed with emotion, she shared in an interview with TMJ4’s Lance Allan.
“I cried, I was overwhelmed. It was beautiful. I’m so proud of him. Momma Mary answered a lot of prayers.”
That sense of unconditional love is something Kenny holds close. Growing up with early challenges such as ADHD and the instability of foster care, he found solace in Mary Ann’s steady presence. For her, adopting Kenny and Ian was never about charity or obligation; it was about family.
When asked in an interview with the Catholic Herald if she saw a difference between adopting a child and having one biologically, Mary Ann’s answer was simple and profound.
“Absolutely nothing. Because if there is, you shouldn’t be adopting.”
It is this kind of love and belief that laid the foundation for Kenny Bednarek’s rise from small-town Wisconsin to the grandest stages in athletics. Now 26, Kenny openly reflects on his adoption story but as one of his greatest strengths. During his Paris Olympics campaign, he spoke candidly about his relationship with Mary Ann.
“I found a mother that loves me and nurtures me.”
As Kenny Bednarek continues to electrify tracks worldwide, he carries with him the unwavering support of the woman who believed in him first. On this rare day of birthday candles and Mother’s Day flowers, Kenny declared no celebration could fully capture Mary Ann’s worth.
