EUGENE, Ore. — Kenny Bednarek will now be competing in two races at the 2024 Paris Olympics following his second-place finish in the 200 meters Sunday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Although he ran a 19.59 second personal record-setting race, he fell just short of Noah Lyles who finished in a meet record-setting 19.53 seconds. Lyles also narrowly bested Bednarek in the 100 meters a week before in the race Bednarek first punched his ticket to the Olympics. Third-place Erriyon Kington finished in 19.77 seconds to round out the three that will represent the U.S. in the 200 meter men's race.
The 25-year-old Bednarek, affectionately known as "Kung Fu Kenny," posted to social media following his second-place finish:
"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my incredible team and family, including the support from my fans...I am constantly evolving as a person and as an athlete. Prepare to like what you see in Paris."
Bednarek is originally from Tulsa, Okla., but moved to Rice Lake, Wis. before attending Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. He won a silver medal in the 200 meters in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics behind Andre de Grasse of Canada.
His alma mater took to social media to recognize his accomplishment:
According to the Team USA website, Bednarek "became the first American athlete to break 20 seconds in the 200-meter and 45 seconds in the 400-meter on the same day at the 2019 NJCAA Championships."
Click here for full results from the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
Track and field events at the 2024 Paris Olympics take place between Thursday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 11.