Kenny Bednarek Withdraws From Prefontaine Classic Showdown With Letsile Tebogo

Letsile Tebogo and Kenny Bednarek after the Olympic 200m final in Paris. Photo Credit - Imago

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Letsile Tebogo and Kenny Bednarek after the Olympic 200m final in Paris. Photo Credit - Imago

Kenny Bednarek Withdraws From Prefontaine Classic Showdown With Letsile Tebogo

Stephen Awino 12:03 - 05.07.2025

Kenny Bednarek has withdrawn from the potential Prefontaine Classic showdown with Letsile Tebogo.

Kenny Bednarek, one of the top contenders in the men’s 200m, has withdrawn from the highly anticipated Prefontaine Classic set for Saturday at Hayward Field.

The American sprinter, who has been in blistering form on the Grand Slam Track circuit, cited tightness as the reason for pulling out, choosing to prioritize his health ahead of the U.S. Nationals.

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"I've decided to withdraw from tomorrow's race. Dealing with some tightness today, and after talking it through with my team, we agreed it was best not to take any risks," Bednarek announced on social media.

"These decisions are never easy. I was really looking forward to competing this weekend, but with Nationals less than a month away, staying healthy is the priority. Thank you for all the support. It means more than you know. I'll be back out there soon."

High-Stakes Clash Misses a Marquee Name

Kenny Bednarek
Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Kenny Bednarek

Bednarek’s absence takes some shine off what was shaping up to be a fiery men’s 200m showdown, particularly his anticipated face-off with Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo.

The 21-year-old African star has been a dominant force since his 2024 Paris Olympic triumph and was expected to test Bednarek, who recently clocked one of the year’s fastest times.

Despite the withdrawal, the race still boasts a stacked field featuring American sensation Erriyon Knighton, Canada’s Aaron Brown, and Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando.

U.S. speedsters Courtney Lindsey, Kyree King, Jeremiah Curry, and Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh round out a world-class lineup.

Eyes on Nationals and World Championships

Kenny Bednarek
Kenny Bednarek after winning his third-straight Grand Slam Track title in Philadelphia. Image || IMAGO

For Bednarek, the decision underscores the delicate balancing act elite athletes must perform in the lead-up to major championships.

With the U.S. World Championships Trials fast approaching and the September showdown poised for Tokyo looming, avoiding aggravating even minor injuries is crucial.

Bednarek’s supporters will no doubt be disappointed by the late withdrawal, but his prioritization of long-term goals highlights the bigger picture of staying healthy to make a strong push for a world title.