“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 7th-place 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 Jamaican nationals, has sprinted faster this season than Bednarek — who ran a wind-aided 9.79 (2.4) at the second Grand Slam meet in Miramar.
Bednarek, 26, was thrilled to finally capture a U.S. title after placing 2nd on four occasions since ’21, once in the 100 and 3 times in the 200.
“I would say,” Bednarek said, “it’s about damn time.”
MEN’S 100 RESULTS
FINAL (August 01; wind +1.8)
1. Kenny Bednarek (Nik) 9.79 PR (AL) (=6, x A);
2. Courtney Lindsey (Nik) 9.82 PR (8, x A);
3. T’Mars McCallum (unat) 9.83 PR (=9, x A);
4. Trayvon Bromell (NBal) 9.84;
5. Christian Coleman (Nik) 9.86;
6. Maurice Gleaton (Quicksilver/GaHS) 9.92 =HSR, =AJR (=records Tate Taylor [Harlan, San Antonio, Tx] ’25) (=2, =2 WJ, AJ);
7. Ronnie Baker (adi) 9.92;
8. Marcellus Moore (unat) 10.03;
9. Lawrence Johnson (AthTX) 10.13.
HEATS (7/31)
I(-0.7)–1. McCallum 10.01; 2. Bromell 10.04; 3. Pjai Austin (Nik) 10.17; 4. Javonte’ Harding (unat) 10.18; 5. Moore 10.20; 6. Cooper Bibbs (unat) 10.22; 7. Cravont Charleston (adi) 10.30; 8. Cameron Watts (NM) 10.41; 9. Deveyon Blacknell (GardStTC) 10.48.
II(0.6)–1. Bednarek 9.95; 2. Gleaton 10.10; 3. Kyree King (Nik) 10.14; 4. Christian Miller (Pum) 10.16; 5. Deron Dudley (unat) 10.18; 6. Ilias Garcia (unat) 10.35; 7. Tate Taylor (TxHS) 10.36; 8. Brendon Stewart (StarA) 10.38.
III(0.1)–1. Noah Lyles (adi) 10.05; 2. Baker 10.07; 3. Jordan Anthony (adi) 10.14; 4. Johnson 10.25; 5. Kendal Williams (adi) 10.26; 6. Brandon Carnes (Asics) 10.35; 7. Xavier Butler (Tx) 10.44; 8. Taylor Banks (USC) 10.49; 9. Tristyn Flores (unat) 10.49.
IV(-1.0)–1. Lindsey 10.05; 2. Coleman 10.08; 3. Brandon Hicklin (Nik) 10.14; 4. Max Thomas (On) 10.20; 5. Dapriest Hogans (PittSt) 10.26; 6. Sam Blaskowski (unat) 10.27; 7. Nigel Green (GardStTC) 10.33; 8. Demek Kemp (unat) 10.54.
SEMIS (August 01; Lyles withdrew)
I(0.1)–1. McCallum 9.99; 2. Bromell 10.03; 3. Gleaton 10.05; 4. Anthony 10.13; 5. Harding 10.16; 6. Hogans 10.25; 7. Dudley 10.27; 8. Green 10.35; 9. Garcia 10.51.
II(0.6)–1. Lindsey 10.06; 2. Johnson 10.12; 3. Hicklin 10.13; 4. Bibbs 10.21; 5. Thomas 10.22; 6. King 10.27; 7. Blaskowski 10.29; 8. Taylor 10.32; 9. Stewart 10.34.
III(2.1)–1. Bednarek 9.90w; 2. Coleman 9.94w; 3. Baker 9.97w; 4. Moore 10.07w; 5. Austin 10.14w; 6. Williams 10.16w; 7. Carnes 10.29w; 8. Charleston 10.32w; 9. Miller 10.41w.
