“LIGHTNING STRIKES.” That’s the caption of Kenny Bednarek’s Instagram post sharing his first national championship and PR of 9.79 in the 100.
In the photo, which is also an ad for a “Thor-inspired headband,” Kung Fu Kenny calls himself “God of Lightning,” as if he thinks he’s some kind of Bolt.
Well, Bednarek has been bringing the thunder all year. He’s undefeated, displaying Usain Bolt-like dominance in the 100 and 200.
Although the Olympic and world silver medalist in the 200 had not competed since June 01 — citing tightness in withdrawing from the Pre Classic — he cruised through the rounds here in 9.95 and 9.90.
In the final Bednarek got out well thanks to dedicated work on his start. Despite cramping in both calves midway through the race, he held off training partner Courtney Lindsey, who clocked a PR 9.82, and T’Mars McCallum, the Tennessee junior who ran his own PR of 9.83 and has been exceptional since placing 8th at the NCAAs.
That left two former national champs off the podium: Trayvon Bromell at 9.84 and Christian Coleman at 9.86, although they did beat teenager Maurice Gleaton. The Georgia prep’s PR of 9.92 tied the High School Record set by Tate Taylor in May. (Taylor competed here also and went out in the semis with a time of 10.32).
In one of the fastest 100 finals of all time, 7 of the 9 finalists broke 10-flat and 5 broke 9.90 with a 1.8mps wind. The only other race so deep through the top 5 was the Paris ’24 final, when the first 7 ran 9.88 or better. The Olympic 7th-placer was one fiercely disappointed Bednarek.
“I definitely have way more in the tank,” Bednarek said here. “I already knew I was in this type of shape. I just needed to let one rip and I did.”
Lindsey said his performance was a “statement run,” proving he is a threat in the 100 as well as the 200.
Defending world and Olympic champion Noah Lyles has a bye into Tokyo and chose to run just one round of the 100 here. In only his second century of the year, he won his heat in 10.05, the fifth-fastest time of the day.
Treating it like a final, Lyles said it was a “free race.”
Fred Kerley, the ’22 world champ and Olympic medalist, withdrew from the meet earlier citing the “many hurdles” he has been through this season. He has been arrested twice.
Only Kishane Thompson, who went 9.75 at the…
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