Kenny Bednarek confidently looked back on his Brussels Diamond League victory, igniting discussion with a bold assertion about his speed.
The Olympic 200m silver medallist gave a remarkable performance at the Brussels Diamond League Finals, defeating Botswana’s emerging sprint star Letsile Tebogo in an exhilarating men’s 200m race.
Bednarek, who had been pursuing victory throughout the season, finally seized his moment on the final stretch, clocking an impressive 19.67 seconds to take the title.
Tebogo, who had been dominant on the track since the Paris Olympics, finished second with a time of 19.80 seconds.
Bednarek’s win not only ended Tebogo’s unbeaten streak post-Olympics but also marked a triumphant conclusion to a challenging 2024 season.
In a post-race interview, Bednarek reflected on his journey, discussing his perseverance and drive to meet his high expectations.
“You know, I’m just trying to live up to my expectations. I mean, I’ve always had the talent to run these fast times in my sleep,” Bednarek said with a smile after his impressive win.
“So, just to finally be able to hit some of these times that I know I’m capable of, it means a lot. I can go off next year running faster than this. I’m just scratching the surface right now, and these races are feeling easier, and I am pretty faster.”
Bednarek’s win in Brussels followed a series of closely contested races, with Tebogo consistently prevailing in both the 100m and 200m events since the Paris Olympics.
As the athletes prepared for their final race of the year, Bednarek pushed hard in the last 50 meters, overtaking to secure victory by a margin of 13 hundredths of a second.
Reflecting on the importance of the win, Bednarek noted that the season had been about overcoming challenges and demonstrating his potential on the global stage.
“This year has been a grind, but nights like these make it all worth it. I’ve worked so hard to reach this level, and to come out on top in such a competitive field, it’s an incredible feeling,” he said.
With the 2024 season concluded, Bednarek is already setting his sights on future goals, particularly the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
After earning his second Olympic silver medal in Paris earlier this year, Bednarek took to social media to share his ambitions for the future, aiming for gold in the next edition of the Games.
“2x Olympian and 2x Silver Medalist. Representing my country and Team USA is an honor I’ll never take lightly,” Bednarek wrote in a reflective post on X.
“Competing in three events this year has taught me so much, and it’s only fueled my hunger for more. LA 2028 is in my sights, and I’m aiming for one thing: 3 gold medals.”
The American athlete also conveyed his appreciation for the support he has received throughout his journey.
“I’m filled with gratitude for this incredible journey. Walking onto the track and hearing the crowd roar my name every single time is a feeling I’ll never forget. The support I’ve received this year, whether in person, online, or back home, has been overwhelming in the best way possible.”
