Diamond League Final 2024: Kenny Bednarek avenges Olympic final defeat to Letsile Tebogo in men's 200m
Bednarek ran a fine bend to pass the Olympic champion and stayed ahead to take victory in 19.67.
Athletics
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Kenny Bednarek tasted glory in the men's 200m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels on Saturday (14 September).
Noah Lyles was the big-name absentee from the Memorial Van Damme as Paris 2024 Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo flew out of the blocks from lane seven. But 'Kung Fu Kenny', one lane inside, managed to keep pace and ran a strong bend to take the lead with the 21-year-old from Botswana unable to close on the home straight.
Bednarek's winning time was 19.67, with Tebogo second at 19.80. Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic beat a host of Americans to take third with 19.97 after his fifth place in Paris.
When asked if there was an element of revenge over Tebogo in his triumph, Bednarek told reporters, "A little bit. He’s had a few wins over me; that’s because I didn’t execute the race I needed to. So to come out at the end of the season with the win, gain my revenge from the Olympics, it feels great.
"No one wants to lose, I hate losing... finally getting my win again and going to build off this for next year. It wasn’t, ‘I’ve got to win or else.’ But this just helps build confidence for next year. Just doing what I know what I’m supposed to do and living up to my expectations."
Reflecting on the year, he said, "Overall, this season, a lot of ups and downs. I had four PBs. I did a lot this year, and next year I’m going to be dangerous.”
Result from men's 200m at Memorial Van Damme (Diamond League Final), Brussels on 14 September 2024:
- Kenny Bednarek (USA) 19.67
- Letsile Tebogo (BOT) 19.80
- Alexander Ogando (DOM) 19.97
- Courtney Lindsey (USA) 20.21
- Fred Kerley (USA) 20.21
- Kyree King (USA) 20.45
- Joseph Fahnbulleh (LBR) 20.53
- Ryan Zeze (FRA) 21.20