Kenny Bednarek has shared a heartfelt tribute to his adoptive mother highlighting the transformative impact of adoption on his life.
Double Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters Kenny Bednarek has again opened his heart to share the profound impact adoption has had on his life.
Kenny and his twin brother Ian were adopted by Mary Bednarek from foster care, alongside two other children, forming a family bound by love rather than blood.
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Raised in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Kenny's journey to becoming an Olympic champion was far from conventional.
"November is National Adoption Month, and it’s important for me to recognize the role adoption played in my life," Bednarek wrote in his heartfelt Instagram post.
"My mom adopted me and my siblings from foster care. I believe that’s one of the reasons I am here today. Having a safe, permanent home gave me the foundation to chase after my dreams."
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His post also highlighted his partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which works to connect children in foster care with permanent homes.
"The Foundation has helped find forever families for more than 14,000 children across the U.S. and Canada, and they aren’t done yet," he added, urging others to support the cause.
Mary Bednarek’s voice of encouragement has been a constant in Kenny’s life, even during the intense atmosphere of elite competitions.
Recalling a lighthearted moment at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, Kenny chuckled, “She was like, ‘Go, Kenny!’ And in my head, I’m like, ‘Mom, shhh!’”
After taking in Kenny and Ian as young boys, Mary helped them navigate challenges such as ADHD and the emotional wounds of their tumultuous early years.
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Her steadfast love inspired Kenny to channel his energy into track and field, eventually becoming one of the fastest men in the world.
“I wouldn’t be here without her,” Kenny said, expressing his gratitude.
Mary’s pride was palpable when Kenny clinched a silver medal in the 200m event at the Paris Olympics in August.
Overcome with emotion, she shared, "I feel so overwhelmed! I’m going to start crying. He’s had his disappointments. I just knew he had it in him. The smile on his face said it all. He’s one in a million, and I’m so lucky he’s my son."
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Kenny’s gratitude for his mother extends beyond her parenting.
"The heart that my mum had, the perseverance to go through adopting four kids by herself and sticking it through... she's inspired me to be a better person every single day," he said in a previous interview with Olympics.com.
In recognition of his achievements Bednarek’s hometown of Rice Lake celebrated his success with a day named in his honor.