American sprint star Kenny Bednarek, known as “Kung Fu Kenny,” has long been regarded as one of the most talented sprinters on the circuit.
But with the 2025 World Championships fast approaching, track and field believe this could be the season he topples Noah Lyles from his throne.
Coach Rob, in his recent remarks on his Coach Rob Track and Field YouTube podcast have sent ripples through the sprinting world. In a bold statement.
“When we’re talking about fully healthy Kenny… if your name is not Noah, then you’re probably finishing, you’re not ahead of Kenny. That’s what it is in the 200 specifically,” Coach Rob said.
Bednarek has a personal best of 19.57 seconds in the 200m, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medal, and a track record of consistency that’s rare in elite sprinting. Even amid injury setbacks, Bednarek has refused to fade.
Coach Rob was quick to highlight Kenny’s resilience.
“One of the most rock-solid sprinters we have in the game”.
A GST Season for the Ages
Fueling the current buzz is Bednarek’s sensational 2025 Grand Slam Track (GST) campaign. Kicking off in Kingston, Jamaica, Kenny stormed to a tight 100m win in 10.07 seconds before unleashing a dominant 19.92 in the 200m, pocketing $100,000.
In Miami, Bednarek raised the bar with a wind-aided 9.79 in the 100m and a scorching, world-leading 19.47 in the 200m.
The streak continued in Philadelphia, where Bednarek clocked 19.95 in the 200m and a personal-best, world-leading 9.86 in the 100m. Completing a clean 6-for-6 record in the series, Bednarek walked away with $400,000 in prize money and the coveted GST “Racer of the Year” title.
The Lyles Factor
Of course, to dethrone Noah Lyles is no easy feat. The reigning 200m king and owner of a jaw-dropping 19.31 personal best remains the man to beat.
Lyles has made a habit of delivering in championship moments, and with his name etched as the third fastest 200m sprinter in history, Bednarek will need need perfection.
Coach Rob firmly believes Bednarek has the unique skills and readiness required to handle this challenging task successfully.
“When Kenny is healthy, there’s no ceiling to what he can do,” Rob emphasized.
As the 2025 World Championships loom, anticipation is sky-high as track fans brace for a 200m showdown for the ages.