‘I’m Knocking on the Door’ – Kenny Bednarek on What He Must to to Finally Clinch 200m Gold in Future after Yet Another Silver in Tokyo

Kenny Bednarek had to settle for yet another silver medal at a major 200 meter final at the Just concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Kenny Bednarek once again found himself on the second step of the podium after the men’s 200 metres final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking 19.58 seconds to secure silver behind compatriot Noah Lyles with Jamaica’s Bryan Levell settling for bronze..

The result extends a remarkable — yet bittersweet — trend for the 25-year-old American, who has now collected four consecutive global silvers in the 200m: at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, and at the 2022 and 2025 World Championships.

'It's The Last 10 Meters'

Speaking to NightCap in a recent guest appearance,  Bednarek admitted that the narrow margin for gold continues to frustrate him, but insisted he is edging closer with every attempt.

“I just have to work on the small little things. I’m in great shape — I’ve got the endurance, I’ve got the speed — but I need to figure out that last 10 metres, because that’s where it’s been getting away from me.”

Bednarek described the Tokyo race as one of his strongest performances yet, particularly in how he held his composure in the closing stages.

“Honestly, this was the best second half I’ve had in a while. Usually I get into the lead and give it away, but when Lyles pulled up next to me, I just told myself not to panic and to keep going. 

“To do that from lane eight, I can’t be too upset. It’s bittersweet, but eventually I’m going to get it. Every single year, I’m putting my foot further in the door.”

Bednarek, who burst onto the international stage as a teenager, said his approach to major championships has evolved.

“Younger me, the nerves were really there. But now I’m a vet. I’ve been here a long time. I embrace the moment. 

“I literally stare at the crowd before the race and say, ‘Okay, it’s go time.’ As soon as they call ‘set,’ everything disappears — I’m locked in, executing my race.”

Consistent Kenny

While still chasing a maiden individual global gold, Bednarek’s consistency has been unmatched in recent years. 

He remains one of the few sprinters to medal at four of the last five global finals in the 200m, underlining both his endurance at the elite level and his determination to close the gap on Lyles.

As Bednarek himself put it:

“I’ve always been knocking on that door. Sooner or later, I’m going to kick it down.”