Kenny Bednarek’s ‘can’t clone this’ attitude: A bold move or pure hubris?

Kenny Bednarek’s ‘can’t clone this’ attitude: A bold move or pure hubris?

Festus Chuma 05:23 - 07.10.2024

Kenny Bednarek declares he's “built different” after a rollercoaster season, setting high expectations for a powerful 2025.

Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek has always been a force to reckon with on the track, but his recent Instagram post shows the sprinter is gearing up for an even more impressive 2025 season.

In the post, Bednarek shared a powerful image of himself, clad in a white robe emblazoned with the USA flag and the Olympic rings, paired with red and blue striped shorts.

The sprinter’s accompanying caption was equally bold: “Built different, can’t clone this.”

The declaration sums up Bednarek’s approach to the sport, especially after a rollercoaster season filled with ups and downs.

From earning silver in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics to a disqualification in the relay event, Bednarek’s year was anything but predictable.

Yet, despite the setbacks, the athlete never lost his determination, pushing himself beyond his limits with every race.

In his Instagram post, Bednarek was not just showcasing his resolve—he was making a promise to fans. His perseverance has been a defining trait, especially as he battled through the highs and lows of the season.

This persistence paid off in Paris Olympics, where his standout performance in Zurich earned him another silver in the 200m, with a personal best of 19.57 seconds.

“I knew I was capable of getting the gold medal…I just wanted to have fun, no stress for me,” Bednarek said in a September interview on his YouTube channel, reflecting on his journey throughout the season.

Although the Zurich race saw him narrowly miss out on gold to Botswana’s rising star Letsile Tebogo, Bednarek did not let it bring him down.

In fact, the competition only fueled his drive to perform better. The American sprinter spoke highly of Tebogo, recognizing the emotional drive behind his competitor’s race.

“Coming off the bend, I was in a good position and Tebogo ran a better race that day. He was running for his mum and had a crazy last 100m, so for him, I mean, congrats,” Bednarek added.

But the true highlight of Bednarek’s season came during the Brussels Diamond League meet, where he finally got his redemption.

After a fierce race against Tebogo, Bednarek emerged victorious, clocking in at 19.67 seconds to take the win. The triumph marked the perfect end to his season, allowing him to cap off the year on a high note.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Bednarek has his eyes set on even bigger goals.

Among the most anticipated events is the World Championships in Tokyo, where the competition will be fierce, with elite sprinters from around the world vying for glory.

However, perhaps the most exciting meet will be Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track, where Bednarek has already signed on as a contracted athlete.

The event is expected to draw in top contenders and Bednarek is ready for the challenge.

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