'You are my rock'- Kenny Bednarek’s girlfriend Sharmila Nicollet shares heartfelt birthday message

©Sharmila Nicollet Instagram

'You are my rock'- Kenny Bednarek’s girlfriend Sharmila Nicollet shares heartfelt birthday message

Festus Chuma 11:28 - 15.10.2024

Kenny Bednarek's girlfriend has penned a heartfelt birthday message celebrating his successful season and Olympic achievements.

Kenny Bednarek's girlfriend Sharmila Nicollet has penned a heartwarming birthday message for the American sprinter, who recently turned 26 after an impressive season that saw him win multiple accolades, including an Olympic silver medal.

Nicollet, a professional golfer, has been a pillar of support helping him through the highs and lows of his athletic journey.

In an Instagram post dedicated to the sprinter, she shared a sweet message filled with affection and pride.

“Happy Birthday my love ❤️ You are my rock. Grateful for you. Here’s to more laughter, love, and adventures and memories together! I Love you,” Nicollet wrote, giving fans a glimpse into their strong and supportive relationship.

In a candid interview earlier this year with 'The Running Effect Podcast,' Bednarek credited Nicollet as a significant factor in his recent success, particularly as he prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.

The sprinter, known for his incredible speed and determination, reflected on how meeting Nicollet in 2020 changed the trajectory of his career.

“I think the biggest thing for me is just the people that have been around me. If I would say for real, if I didn't meet my girlfriend in 2020, I think that's when COVID started coming up, if I didn't meet her, I think we wouldn't be having this conversation. I don't think I would be who I am today,” Bednarek shared in the interview.

The relationship between Bednarek and Nicollet has blossomed over the past few years, with both athletes being each other’s biggest supporters.

As a professional golfer, Nicollet understands the dedication and mental toughness required to succeed in sports, which has allowed her to be a valuable source of motivation for Bednarek.

“She is the biggest reason why I have been so successful, just because she's a professional athlete as well. She's a professional golfer and she knows what it takes because she's been on that level. And meeting her, it was kind of like, hey, I want to be an Olympian. And then she laughed at my face saying, well, you gotta step it up," he added with a smile.

Bednarek's season has been nothing short of remarkable as his performance in the 200m event at the Paris Olympics, where he finished second behind Botswana's Letsile Tebogo with a time of 19.62 seconds, earned him widespread praise.

Following the Olympics, he continued his strong form, competing in the Diamond League series, where he again faced Tebogo and emerged victorious in the Brussels Diamond League Finals.

Despite the intense pressure that comes with competing at the highest level, Bednarek attributes much of his success to Nicollet’s encouragement and understanding.

The two athletes share a unique bond, with Nicollet’s firsthand experience of the challenges in professional sports providing Bednarek with invaluable emotional and mental support.

As he now takes time to celebrate his birthday and reflect on a season of great accomplishments, Bednarek’s focus remains firmly on preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With Nicollet by his side, the sprinter is poised for even greater success in the future.

For Bednarek, the upcoming months will be crucial as he gears up for another shot at Olympic glory.

But as he pushes forward, the love and support from Nicollet, as highlighted in her heartfelt birthday message, will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in his journey.