Kenny Bednarek Reflects on Growth After Dominant Performance at Kingston Grand Slam

Olympic silver medlaist Kenny Bednarek

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Kenny Bednarek is among the casualities of basic commodities shortage in American stores.

Kenny Bednarek Reflects on Growth After Dominant Performance at Kingston Grand Slam

Mark Kinyanjui 21:57 - 09.04.2025

Kenny Bednarek opens up on the progress he has made in the off season after dominating his fellow athletes in Kingston during the maiden Grand Slam Track event on Saturday.

American sprint star Kenny Bednarek believes his standout double sprint victory at the inaugural Grand Slam Track event in Kingston is a pivotal stepping stone in his quest for a first global title.

The 25-year-old speedster walked away with a massive $100,000 after winning both the 100m and 200m against a stacked field featuring Olympic and World Championship medalists like Fred Kerley, Oblique Seville, and Zharnel Hughes.

On April 4, Bednarek edged Seville by a razor-thin 0.01 seconds to win the 100m in a dramatic photo finish, clocking 10.08 seconds. 

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The following day, he returned to the track and once again delivered, clocking 20.07 to win the 200m and seal his spot in history as the first-ever men’s short sprint Grand Slam Champion.

“I think it was important—just because of all the training I put in during the offseason—to actually see it come to fruition and know that it’s been paying off,” Bednarek said after his 100m win. 

“Like I said, my block start wasn’t perfect, but this was a huge confidence booster for me because I know what I can do, and I’m going to do it this year.”

He also praised the team behind him, including his coach, for helping lay the foundation for his big moment.

 “I’ve trusted my technique and my coach. I’ve put in all the hard work, so there’s no reason for me to get overly excited or too nervous. If I just do what I’ve been doing in practice, I should be fine.”

The event, backed by track legend Michael Johnson, also struck a chord with Bednarek due to its unique format and financial incentives.

“Michael Johnson is giving us the opportunity to promote our sport in a different way. If we do our part, they’re going to do theirs—and that’s all I’m here for.”

Bednarek, who currently tops the men’s dominance chart with a score of 48.50, made it clear that this win is just the beginning. In a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 8, he sent a confident message to the sprint world:

“I told you I was going to dominate. I told you I was gonna have fun. And I told you I was going to win.”

With Paris 2025 World Championships looming, Bednarek’s next challenge will be to maintain his momentum and finally convert his global silver and bronze medals into gold. If Kingston was any indication, he may just be on track to do it.

He won the second  Olympic silver medal of his career in the 200 meters in Paris, but fell short in the 100 meters. 

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