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Bednarek has revealed his targets at the upcoming UTSAF Olympic trials in both the 100 and 200m.
Reigning Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek has issued a stern warning to his American competitors as he prepares for the upcoming USTAF Olympic trials in June.
Bednarek, who recently secured victory in the men’s 200m race at the 2024 Diamond League Prefontaine Classic on May 25 with a winning time of 19.89 seconds, is looking to dominate both the 100m and 200m events at the trials.
The 25-year-old sprinter led an all-American podium at the Prefontaine Classic, with Courtney Lindsey finishing second in 20.09 seconds and Kyree King taking third in 20.15 seconds.
This triumph marks Bednarek’s second win in the Diamond League series this season, following his victory in Doha. His recent performances build on his impressive track record, including a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games and another silver at the 2022 World Athletics Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field.
Despite his success in the 200m, Bednarek has not competed extensively in the 100m. His last 100m race was at the Absa Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo National Stadium in May, where he clocked a 9.91-second victory. Reflecting on his performance in Eugene, Bednarek shared his ambitious plans for the upcoming Olympic trials.
“Last Olympic trials, I got fourth with a 9.99 and now, I plan on winning the thing. Right now, I plan on winning the thing," Bednarek stated confidently. "We got to wait till trials and maybe I can run 9.7 if I get the perfectly executed race. That is how I feel right now."
Bednarek expressed a particular fondness for the 100m, despite not being widely recognized for it. “The 100 is a little bit more of a favorite. I am not known to run it. Being less favored eases the pressure. It is only nine seconds. It is quick. Just a quick rush that we have in that race and that is my favorite right now," he explained.
However, Bednarek has faced some challenges in securing opportunities to compete in the 100m. “I haven’t run many. I was trying to get in the one here but I did not, so I just gotta wait until trials," he noted.
Bednarek remains focused on his goals, undeterred by external factors. "I do not really think much about it. They are going to miss out on a lot. It is their fault. I do not really care about the attention. I just want to focus on my business," he asserted.
As the USTAF Olympic trials approach, all eyes will be on Kenny Bednarek to see if he can achieve his goal of qualifying for the Olympics in both the 100m and 200m events. His recent performances and determined mindset suggest that he is well-prepared to make a significant impact on the track.
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