Kenny Bednarek’s inspiring journey from foster care to Olympic stardom highlights the transformative power of love, perseverance and family.
If double Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters Kenny Bednarek was looking for a tale of perseverance and love to guide his journey, he did not need to look further than his own family.
Born on October 14, 1998, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kenny and his twin brother Ian were abandoned by their biological parents, landing them in foster care.
But their lives took a transformative turn when Mary Bednarek chose to adopt them, along with two other children, forming a family bonded by love rather than blood.
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Raised in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Kenny’s path to becoming an Olympic champion was anything but conventional. His adoptive mother, Mary, played an instrumental role in shaping his early life, helping him overcome significant challenges, including ADHD and the emotional scars of foster care.
“The heart that my mum had, the perseverance to go through adopting four kids by herself and sticking it through… she’s inspired me to be a better person every single day. And she’s inspired me to keep living my dream because I wouldn’t be here without her,” Kenny shared as per Essentially Sports.
Mary’s decision to adopt stemmed from her unfulfilled desire to be a mother. In a pivotal moment, she received a call asking if she wanted to be considered for a set of twins. Without hesitation, she said yes, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey for Kenny and Ian. Mary relocated from Tulsa to Rice Lake to ensure the twins could grow up surrounded by love and stability.
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Mary’s approach to parenting was strict yet nurturing, instilling values that shaped Kenny’s character and resilience. Kenny recalls how he was not allowed to watch television unless he completed his homework or attend parties freely. He didn’t even have a smartphone until his senior year of high school.
Despite these rules, Kenny now views them as a gift. “Honestly, I’d rather have it that way because it helped me be the person I am today,” he said.
Even with a supportive mother, Kenny grappled with feelings of insecurity and a lack of belonging during his high school years.
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However, his discovery of track and field changed everything. The sport became an outlet for his energy and a source of confidence, allowing him to channel his emotions into something productive.
“That’s the thing I love about track and field,” Kenny explained.
“Everything you put into it, you’re going to get it back.”
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Although he faced hurdles in pursuing higher education and athletics, Kenny’s time at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa proved transformative. He quickly began setting records and went pro, defying the odds stacked against him.
One of the most poignant memories from Kenny’s childhood is a moment that cemented his trust in Mary. Recalling a day when Mary dropped him off at school, he admitted he feared she might not return. Having experienced abandonment as a child, this fear was deeply ingrained.
But when Mary came back, Kenny felt a profound sense of security. “For me, that was like a confirmation like okay, this person is serious and you know she didn’t just drop me off and just disappeared,” he shared.
Mary’s unwavering belief in Kenny’s potential was a constant source of motivation. Watching him on the track, she likened him to Secretariat, the legendary racehorse, saying, “When you would see him on the track you could see that was where he was happiest.”
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Despite his accomplishments, including silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the World Athletics Championships, Kenny’s humility shines through.
His journey from a tumultuous childhood to the pinnacle of international athletics is a testament to the strength of familial love and support.
