Kenny Bednarek walked into the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou with fire in his tone and a chip on his shoulder. “I’m dangerous. I mean, I figured things out. My start is better. I’m stronger, healthy, and that’s all I can say. I’m dangerous,” he declared before the meet. And on the track, he backed up every word.
Already riding high after a dominant showing at the Miami stop of Grand Slam Track—where he went two-for-two—Bednarek knew the real test awaited in Guangzhou. Why? Rewind to the Paris Olympics: a mistimed takeoff by Bednarek and a scramble from Christian Coleman led to a botched opening exchange in the men’s 4x100m. Team USA’s disqualification added to a long, painful history of relay woes on the world stage. But this time, redemption was on the table—and Bednarek didn’t flinch. In the men’s 4x100m relay, Bednarek torched the track with the fastest splits in both the semifinal and the final. Thanks to his explosive leg, Team USA clocked the quickest 200m and 300m segments in the final. Still, it wasn’t quite enough for gold. South Africa stunned the field with a world-leading 37.61 seconds, edging out Team USA’s season-best 37.66. Heartbreaking? Yes. But Bednarek chose pride over pain.
“Just missed the top spot but proud of my teammates for getting that Silver Medal and Qualifying,” Kenny Bednarek posted on X on May 11. “I split two of the fastest times in the Semis & Final. Clean exchanges & the races felt effortless. Felt good to deliver when it counted. Taking this speed to Tokyo for World Champs!” For Bednarek, Guangzhou wasn’t just about medals—it was about growth, redemption, and momentum. And with Tokyo on the horizon, he’s not just dangerous—he’s locked in.
Just missed the top spot but proud of my teammates for getting that Silver Medal and Qualifying.
I split two of the fastest times in the Semis & Final. Clean exchanges & the races felt effortless. Felt good to deliver when it counted. Taking this speed to Tokyo for World Champs! pic.twitter.com/W58reNhIIW
— Kung Fu Kenny (@kenny_bednarek) May 11, 2025
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