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Kenny Bednarek has confidently reflected on his Brussels Diamond League victory, sparking debate with a bold statement about his speed.
Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek delivered a stunning performance at the Brussels Diamond League Finals defeating Botswana's rising sprint star Letsile Tebogo in a thrilling men's 200m race.
Bednarek, who has been chasing victory throughout the season, finally seized his moment on the final stretch, stopping the clock at an impressive 19.67 seconds to claim the title.
Tebogo, who had dominated the track since the Paris Olympics, finished in second place with a time of 19.80 seconds.
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12:30 - 15.09.2024
Kenny Bednarek insists 2024 is not a 'breakout year' after stunning Letsile Tebogo in Brussels
Kenny Bednarek has insisted that his win over Letsile Tebogo at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels was not by luck as he believes in his capabilities and winning races was his mission this season.
Bednarek's victory not only ended Tebogo's unbeaten streak post-Olympics, but it also marked a triumphant close to an intense 2024 season.
The American sprinter reflected on his journey during a post-race interview, opening up about his perseverance and determination to live up to his own 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 comes after a series of closely contested races, with Tebogo consistently emerging victorious in both the 100m and 200m events since the Paris Olympics.
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16:30 - 15.09.2024
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However, as the athletes lined up for their final showdown of the year, Bednarek dug deep in the final 50 meters, surging ahead to snatch victory by a margin of 13 hundredths of a second.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Bednarek acknowledged that this season had been about pushing through challenges and proving 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 now in the books, Bednarek is already setting his sights on future goals, particularly the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Having earned his second Olympic silver medal in Paris earlier this year, the sprinter took to social media to express his ambitions for the coming years, aiming to go 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 expressed his gratitude for the support he is 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."
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