Kenny Bednarek

About

American sprinter, runner, and athlete who is known as "Kung Fu Kenny" because of the tie he wore around his neck in races. He won the silver medal in men's 200 meter race at 2024 Paris Olympics. He also won silver in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Before Fame

He ran youth track from the second grade. He also played football at Rice Lake, scoring 17 touchdowns as a wide receiver, kick returner and on jet sweeps during his junior and senior years, recorded on videos posted on the recruiting website hudl.com.

Trivia

He attended Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. In May of 2019, he was named the USA Track & Field Athlete of the Week. In the year 2022, he won silver in the 200 meter race at the World Athletics Championships. He stands six feet, two inches tall. 

Family Life

He dated golfer Sharmila Nicollet. He and his twin brother, Ian, were adopted by Mary Bednarek.

Associated With

At the 2024 Olympics, he beat field favorite Noah Lyles in the men's 200m race.