Grand Slam Observe: The Kenny Bednarek Present Rolls Into Philly
Kenny Bednarek doesn’t speak a lot. He doesn’t must. His legs have accomplished loads of that for him this spring, they usually’ve been loud.
By means of two stops of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Observe sequence, first in Kingston, then in Miramar, Bednarek has owned the brief sprints. He’s unbeaten in his particular person races, pulling away from loaded fields in each the 100 and 200 meters. Because the sequence shifts to Philadelphia this weekend, the image is changing into clear about how this has been the Kung Fu Keeny present.
The factor is, not everybody’s observed.
Grand Slam Observe was designed to innovate, to offer elite sprinters a centered stage throughout 4 cities. And whereas others have proven flashes, Bednarek has been the one persistently lighting it up. In Kingston, he ran a clean 20.07 within the 200. In Miramar, he adopted with a sharper 19.84, his quickest of the yr and the present world lead. He additionally posted a wind-aided 9.79 within the 100 meters the identical weekend, reminding everybody that he can end simply as robust over half the gap.
Nonetheless, the headlines haven’t adopted him the way in which they do for others. He hasn’t sparked a lot debate on social media or been chased by cameras post-race. Perhaps it has to do along with his character or his model that doesn’t instantly scream consideration, however nonetheless, he’s getting the job on the observe.
This weekend in Philadelphia, the GST will open with the 200 meters, the occasion that’s grow to be Bednarek’s area. He’s not simply profitable these races. He’s controlling them. His margin of victory in each meets has hovered round 0.30 seconds, which within the 200 is a niche, not a lean. Most sprinters spend their careers making an attempt to win by that a lot. Bednarek is doing it persistently.
It’s been the form of run that ought to spark extra consideration. Particularly given the solid of challengers. Christian Coleman, whereas nonetheless harmful, has had a gradual begin to his out of doors season, not operating inside 10s in every of his three meets in Asia. Andre De Grasse has traditionally taken longer to search out his rhythm early within the yr. In the meantime, teenage phenom Christian Miller continues to be adjusting to life as a professional.
It’s not simply the uncooked occasions, although these are spectacular sufficient. What’s stood out most has been his means to string performances collectively with no drop. April to Might, 20.07 to 19.84. Within the 100, from a conservative 10.07 in Kingston to a blistering 9.79 in Miami (albeit with a positive wind).
There’s no flash to his presence. He steps onto the observe with a job to do, and thus far, he’s accomplished it higher than anybody within the sequence. Philly could be the tipping level.
Franklin Discipline carries a historical past within the sport. It’s a venue that’s topped champions and launched breakout stars. If Bednarek wins once more, particularly within the vogue he has over the previous two stops, the eye will come. It has to. Successful as soon as may be luck. Twice may be timing. However three in a row, throughout nations and situations, is a run that calls for recognition.
In fact, he’ll have challengers. Coleman can be there. So will Aaron Brown, Udodi Onwuzurike, and Zharnel Hughes, all able to operating below 20 seconds within the 200m. However none of them have appeared as sharp, as in management, or as hungry as Bednarek has over the past six weeks.
Observe and subject has at all times had room for personalities. However it additionally makes room for individuals who merely win. Bednarek might by no means be the loudest. But when he retains this up, he’ll be inconceivable to disregard.
Philadelphia will inform us rather a lot. Will he maintain his good Grand Slam document intact? Will somebody lastly push him? Or will Kenny Bednarek, the soft-spoken sprinter with a brutal end, proceed his quiet takeover?
