Track star credits mom for his success ahead of USATF Championships
Olympian Kenny Bednarek is gearing up for the 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships, which kicks off Thursday, but ahead of the big event, the track star and his mom Mary Ann Bednarek sat down with ABC News to share how he got his start.
The 27-year-old sprinter, who won two Olympic silver medals at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, credited his mom for much of his success today.
"I don't know what situation I would be in if she didn't have the patience, love and care," Kenny Bednarek told ABC News' Danny New.
Mary Ann Bednarek adopted Kenny and his twin brother Ian Bednarek when they were young boys. The brothers have two older sisters, who were also adopted.
When Kenny Bednarek was in high school, his coach told Mary Ann Bednarek that he had a unique talent for running.
"The coach in the ninth grade said, 'Your son is special.' And I said, 'I know he is. He's my son.' And he said, 'No, no, you don't understand,'" Mary Ann Bednarek recalled.
Kenny Bednarek went on to break records at his school and college and is now a two-time Olympian, who is hoping to race again at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
If he qualifies again, Kenny Bednarek said he hopes to have his mom watching from the sidelines again.
"Any time my mom's in the stadium, I can hear her somehow," Kenny Bednarek said, adding that her presence gives him an extra boost of energy.
