Olympic silver medalist Kenny Bednarek has opened up about what drew him to track and field over other sports and why that decision continues to define his career.
In a recent Instagram post, the American sprint star reflected on his high school years, when he juggled basketball, football, and track. All three brought him joy, but it was the rush and individual challenge of track that truly captured his heart.
“Track and field just gave me that rush,” Bednarek shared. “The excitement of competing, of winning, and being out there with my teammates, it’s something special.”
While many athletes thrive on team sports like football, Bednarek said he found a rare balance in track. A sport where personal performance and team spirit can coexist, especially in relay events like the 4x100m and 4x400m.
“I loved the camaraderie with my teammates in the relays,” he said, “but I also valued having the freedom to dictate the outcome.”
That control, he added, was a key factor in his decision to focus on sprinting.
“In football, you can be the best player on the field, but if your teammates aren’t up to par, you might still lose the game,” he explained.
“But with track, when I get to the line and the gun goes off, everything I’ve trained for, all that I’ve put in, it’s on display. It’s up to me.”
That mindset has fueled Bednarek’s rise through the ranks and his 2025 season has been nothing short of dominant.
Competing in the Grand Slam Track Series, Bednarek finished the season with 72 points, the highest of any male sprinter. He notched three wins each in the 100m and 200m, showcasing his speed and consistency across both sprint distances. His performance earned him the title of Racer of the Year following the season finale in Philadelphia.
But the biggest test still lies ahead. On July 5, Bednarek will line up at the Wanda Diamond League Final at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene. He is set to face Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in a much-anticipated men’s 200m showdown.