Kenny Bednarek on the lasting impact of his mother: 'She's inspired me to be a better person every single day' - Exclusive

By Nick McCarvel22 May 2024 13:08 GMT-4

As Kenny Bednarek settled into the starting blocks at last year's Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, a hush fell over Hayward Field - save for one voice that was quite familiar to the 200m Olympic silver medallist.

"She was like, 'Go, Kenny!'" Bednarek laughs, adding: "And in my head, I'm like, 'Mom, shhh!'"

There is a special bond for the 25-year-old Bednarek and his mother, Mary, who adopted Kenny and his twin brother Ian out of foster care and helped him navigate early issues, including ADHD and the emotional repercussions that living in the system brought about.

"We worked through everything," he said of his family, with Mary adopting four children in total. "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.

"And she's inspired me to keep living my dream because I wouldn't be here without her."

Bednarek is gearing up for what he hopes is another glistening summer in 2024 after capturing silver behind Andre De Grasse at Tokyo 2020 in 2021 in the 200m.

Earlier this month, he set a world lead in the event for the season at 19.67 - a career best - and Saturday (25 May) he laces up at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic stop in Eugene. It's the same track he'll look to book an Olympic team spot at next month - and where he can hear the echoes of his mum's unwavering support.

"My mum loves to scream, so I know for a fact I'll hear her," he said, laughing again.