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The US sprinter has shared his emotional connection to Poland and why he's eager to return with his mother soon.
Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek has reflected on the deep bond he shares with his Polish-rooted mother, Mary Bednarek, following his recent race at the Silesia Diamond League.
Although Bednarek finished third in the men’s 200m event, the experience held special significance for him, as it marked his first time competing in Poland—a country his mother has ancestral ties to.
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19:25 - 25.08.2024
Letsile Tebogo shows Kenny Bednarek and Co who is boss with dominant win in Silesia
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In an emotional Instagram post, Bednarek expressed his appreciation for the warmth and support he received from the Polish crowd, sharing his eagerness to return to the country, this time accompanied by his mother.
"The love and support I received from Poland today were truly incredible. I’m thrilled to have run here for the first time and can’t wait to return with my mom, who has Polish roots," Bednarek wrote.
Mary Bednarek’s journey to becoming Kenny’s mother is as inspiring as her son’s achievements on the track.
Kenny and his twin brother, Ian, were left in foster care by their biological parents before being adopted by Mary, who raised them in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Her Polish heritage has been a significant part of Kenny's identity and he often speaks about how her strength and perseverance have shaped his life.
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15:17 - 24.08.2024
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Before the Tokyo Olympics, where Kenny won a silver medal in the 200m, he spoke candidly about the impact his mother has had on his life.
He mentioned how Mary helped him navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, including dealing with ADHD and the emotional struggles that came with it.
"We worked through everything," he said of his family’s journey as per Olympics.com.
"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."
Kenny’s recent performance at the Silesia Diamond League may not have resulted in a victory, but it was another step in a journey that is been marked by a deep connection to family.
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20:30 - 21.08.2024
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Clocking in at 20 seconds flat, Bednarek finished third, trailing behind Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando, who set a new national record with a time of 19.86 seconds, and Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, who won the race with a time of 19.83 seconds.
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