Warning shots fired at Noah Lyles and Omanyala as Kenny Bednarek sets Olympics target

ATHLETICS Warning shots fired at Noah Lyles and Omanyala as Kenny Bednarek sets Olympics target

Abigael Wafula 18:38 - 14.11.2023

Kenny Bednarek has fired warning shots at Ferdinand Omanyala and Noah Lyles as he set his 2024 plans clear.

The men’s sprints at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games promise to be thrilling shows with the quality fields it has so far attracted.

Botswana’s wunderkind Letsile Tebogo, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, and triple World champion Noah Lyles are already sure of slots on the global stage but another American, Kenny Bednarek has joined the chat.

Bednarek, the Olympic silver medallist will be looking to banish the silver tag and go for gold in both the 100m and 200m. The former World 200m silver medallist has already started sharpening his talons since he is aware of the tough competition that awaits him.

In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Bednarek has made his intentions clear and he is not playing about it.

“This season, I want to stay injury free…injury free means a dangerous me. I plan on accomplishing my goals and getting gold in both the 100m and 200m.

"That’s what I’m striving for…I want to be the best. That’s my goal for the year,” Bednarek said, captioning the video with "Road to Paris begins…"

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The 25-year-old has been through multiple injuries this season including his hamstring injury. He has struggled to win races and only managed to compete in two 100m races.

He competed at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix and Kip Keino Classic where he finished third and second respectively.

He also competed in the 200m race at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary but unfortunately finished fifth in the race.

Bednarek clinched his first victory in an individual race at the Diamond League Meeting in Brussels where he clocked 19.79 to cross the finish line. His final 2023 race of the season was at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting final where he finished second in the 200m race.