‘I can’t be fazed’ - Kenny Bednarek blows his own trumpet after sealing Olympics qualification in 200m

‘I can’t be fazed’ - Kenny Bednarek blows his own trumpet after sealing Olympics qualification in 200m

Joel Omotto 12:52 - 30.06.2024

Olympics 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek has fired back at his critics for giving him little attention when he is performing better than his rivals who are singled out for praise.

Olympics 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek is happy to have silenced his doubters following his qualification to the Olympics in the 200m race.

Bednarek finished second in a time of 19.59, his personal best, behind world champion Noah Lyles, who recorded a world leading time of 19.53 while Erriyon Knighton timed 19.77 to complete America’s 200m line-up.

The 26-year-old went on to blow his own trumpet, saying he was happy to have gone against the grain when no one gave him attention like some of his rivals.

“I can’t be fazed. Under any condition, any challenge, any setback - I perform. I haven’t received interviews, airtime, or hype like other athletes. Yet, I create my own narrative and continue to shine anyway,” Bednarek posted online.

“Resistance only fuels my drive. After all, I’ve gone against the grain my whole life. Zen Ken is in full force. I was built for pressure. I was built for moments like tonight. Wisconsin: this one’s for you.”

Bednarek has shown great form this season, starting by stunning Ferdinand Omanyala at the Kip Keino Classic in 100m race when he clocked 9.91 in Nairobi before going on to make the US Olympics team over the distance following a run of 9.87 to finish second behind Lyles.

He has been untouchable in the 200m where he won all his five races this year before Sunday’s final at the trials, sending a warning to his rivals that it will not be business as usual in Paris.