Kenny Bednarek is sprinting into the spotlight, and man, is he making it look easy. The 26-year-old American speedster turned heads in the inaugural Grand Slam Track circuit, a league with big-money purses but now folded. Bednarek didn’t just compete, he owned the stage, racking up podium finishes in the 200m across electrifying meets in Jamaica, Miami, and Philadelphia. His blazing 19.67 in Jamaica was a statement, clocking one of the fastest times of the season and proving he’s ready to run with the elite in the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on 5th July 2025.
“This year has been pretty exciting, starting off with Grand Slam,” Bednarek said. “I feel like that league was built just for me.” So, what makes this circuit so special for him?
For Bednarek, the Grand Slam Track circuit was more than just races; it was a chance to shine. “I really enjoyed running in that league because I was able to show off my personality more, the prize purses, and the different venues,” he shared. Racing in Jamaica was a bucket-list moment, stepping onto the same track as legends like Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Asafa Powell. “I’d never raced there before, but that’s the history of track and field right there,” he said.
Miami and Philly brought the same heat, with electric crowds cheering him on. The best part? The circuit’s setup kept things close to home. “I didn’t have to travel all over the world. Everything was pretty much in my backyard,” Bednarek noted. How did that change his game?
Keeping up with Kenny, What’s Next?
After strong performances during the Grand Slam. I’m excited to continue my journey at the Prefontaine Classic this weekend. pic.twitter.com/0XBQGyOYra
— Kung Fu Kenny (@kenny_bednarek) July 2, 2025
That localized schedule was a game-changer. “As an athlete, that made things easier. I could train longer, recover faster, and the fans showed up in a big way, which meant a lot,” he explained. With less time jet-lagged and more time honing his craft, Bednarek hit his stride, building momentum for what’s next. Now, he’s got his eyes locked on the Prefontaine Classic, the crown jewel of track meets. “Now, with Grand Slam wrapped up, I’m excited for what’s next—the Prix Fontaine Classic, prepping for trials, and getting ready for World Championships,” he said. Can he carry that fire into Eugene?
Bednarek’s confidence is infectious. “This year’s gonna be really fun, and we’re just getting started,” he declared. After dominating the Grand Slam, he’s not just chasing times, he’s chasing history. With the Prefontaine Classic looming and the World Championships on the horizon, Bednarek’s ready to sprint toward greatness. Who’s betting against him now?
Kenny Bednarek’s comeback quest of chasing the Gold
After battling injuries like pulled hamstrings and a broken toe, the 26-year-old American sprinter is rewriting his story in 2025. Last season, he powered through 24 races over six months, proving his resilience. Now, with the Grand Slam Track circuit behind him and the Prefontaine Classic looming, Bednarek’s got his sights set on gold. “A healthy Kenny is a dangerous Kenny,” he says, brimming with confidence. But what’s fueling this comeback?
Injuries have been Bednarek’s kryptonite, slowing a career that once saw him blaze through 10 wind-legal, sub-20-second 200m races in 2021, a single-season record for any athlete. “That just comes with the recovery factor,” he explains. “I’m always going to do a workout, and excel at it, but to survive at this level, you have to take care of your body.” His solution? A relentless focus on recovery. From gluten-free and organic diets to a home setup with a sauna, cold plunge, red-light therapy, and a PEMF machine, Bednarek’s leaving nothing to chance. How does this investment pay off?
“It’s a lot of money, but at the end of the day, our body is an investment,” he says. “Track and field is not forever, so you might as well put the money down, recover and get ready for the next day and try to survive.” That mindset has already checked “run fast” and “make money” off his list this year, with standout performances in the Grand Slam circuit, including a scorching 19.67 in the 200m in Jamaica. His disciplined recovery routine keeps him sharp, letting him train harder and race smarter. Can this approach carry him to the podium?
Now, Bednarek’s laser-focused on the “three golds” he craves. “Make money, get gold medals and just run fast,” he says with a grin. With the Prefontaine Classic and World Championships on the horizon, he’s got one last piece of advice for himself: relax. If he can stay healthy and keep that fire, the track world better watch out. Who’s ready to see Bednarek dominate?
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