Greatness comes at a price — a cost often hidden behind the bright lights, medals, and roaring stadiums. For American sprinter Kenny Bednarek, that price hasn’t just been measured in grueling workouts or tight photo finishes.
At just 25, Bednarek has quietly built one of the most consistent careers in the men’s 200 meters. While the world instantly recognizes names like Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles, Kenny’s name sits firmly among sprinting’s elite. Running under 20 seconds in the 200m is a feat most sprinters chase once in a lifetime, Bednarek has done it over 30 times. Yet, despite this remarkable consistency, individual Olympic or World Championship gold has eluded him. That, however, hasn’t slowed him down.
In 2025, Bednarek has already clinched two Grand Slam Track titles and owns the world-leading time in the men’s 200m this season. At the recent World Athletics Relays, he powered the U.S. 4x100m team to victory, recording the fastest splits in both the semifinals and final.
But away from the spotlight, the journey hasn’t been without its personal costs.
In a candid conversation on The Attorney Sekou Podcast, Bednarek opened up about the hidden sacrifices behind his success. When asked about the personal toll his career has taken, the sprinter didn’t hesitate.
“The biggest sacrifice is… some of the friends I actually had to end up getting rid of because they’re going to drag me down,” he admitted.
“You’re going towards this direction, and if they’re going to hinder that… you can’t let it happen.”
For Kenny Bednarek, transitioning from a promising college athlete to a world-class professional meant more than adjusting training schedules or improving race times.
“The things I used to do in college, I can’t do as a professional. And some people won’t get that,” he reflected.
“It’s sad because you do want to bring your friends with you. But if they’re not trying to level up, then you’ve got to cut them loose.”
While it’s a lonely road at times, Kenny’s not entirely alone. Throughout his rise in track and field, one figure has remained constant, his mother, Mary Ann Bednarek.
Kenny’s journey began not on a track, but in a home where he found family and love. At just four years old, Mary Ann adopted him, and from that moment, she became his anchor, cheerleader, and greatest supporter. From local meets to Olympic finals, Mary Ann has never missed a moment, her voice famously one of the loudest in the stands.
After Kenny clinched a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, an emotional Mary Ann shared with TMJ4’s Lance Allan: “It was beautiful. I’m so proud of him. Momma Mary answered a lot of prayers.” Her passion is infectious — something Kenny Bednarek jokingly acknowledged: “My mother loves to scream,” a fact well-known to anyone who’s seen her at a race.
For Kenny, the medals and records matter, but so does the journey — a path marked by difficult decisions, personal growth, and unwavering family support.
Every podium finish carries with it not just the weight of national pride but also the quieter victories: sacrifices made, ties severed, and the knowledge that greatness demands more than talent alone.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Kenny Bednarek continues his chase for the elusive individual world title.
