WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Kenny Bednarek is one of the fastest men in the world.
“I forget I am because I train around other fast people,” Bednarek said.
The 27-year-old won the silver medal in the men’s 200m at the last two summer Olympics. He also specializes in the 100m.
“It’s amazing to be fast.”
Bednarek is committed to his goals every single day. Even in the hot Florida sun, he is out on the track training for two hours, five days a week. Then, it’s a gym workout followed with recovery. And by then, it’s evening, and Bednarek has to start prepping for the next day.
“Most of the days when I have long days, it’s 9-6:30 for me,” Bednarek said. “Then, I can finally chill, and I am already thinking about the next day. Pretty much throughout the year, it’s 24/7; it’s a full-time job.”
Other athletes train and are experts in their craft but aren’t Olympians. So, what separates Bednarek from other athletes?
“Just finding that discipline in order to excel at what I do best,” Bednarek reflected. “That’s one of the main reasons why I have two Olympics now and a few World Championships and been at the top. Just taking care of my body.”
Next week, Bednarek will compete at the USA Track & Field National Championships in New York. But there’s a bigger goal on the horizon for Bednarek: the 2028 summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“To be able to be in front of the home crowd and bring my family...I just can’t wait.”