Miramar Invitational 2024: Kenny Bednarek beats Christian Coleman, Shericka Jackson withdraws
American sprinter Kenny Bednarek made a promising start to his season over 200 metres with victory over Christian Coleman at the Miramar Invitational on Saturday (6 April).
The Olympic silver medallist had run over 400m on the previous two weekends, also in Florida.
In Miramar, running into a stiff 2.8m/s headwind, the 25-year-old clocked 20.35 to take the win with world indoor 60m champion Coleman second in 20.43.
Coleman made his customary fast start, but 'Kung Fu Kenny' ran the superior bend and moved into the lead. Bednarek lost his trademark headband in the closing 50 metres, but that did not disrupt his rhythm and he could afford to ease down before the finish.
Jamaican 400m specialist Rusheen McDonald was third in 21.09.
After collecting his headband from the track, Bednarek said in his post-race interview, "It was great. We've got a lot of fast guys here. We have Coley here and he's a good starter. I just had to follow the plan because I knew he was going to get out. I followed that, I listened to my coach and I got the result I wanted.
"The crowd is amazing here and I know the track is fast, so I just love to come here."
Coleman said, "I feel like I'm pretty decent at the 60, the 100, but I feel like I can run a good 200 too. So I wanted to come out here, and compete against the best - good weather, good competition, open up the season well."
When asked about his preparations for Paris 2024, Bednarek replied, "I've got to make sure to stay consistent with my races. I'm going to be dabbling in the 100 here and there because I'm trying to double, but by the time we get to Worlds (sic), the goal is to make it for both teams."
Shericka Jackson pulled out of the women's 200m on the eve of the competition, delaying her start to her season for a third time.
No official reason was given but a message on her Facebook page read, "Never Quit! Unfortunately, Shericka won't be competing at the Miramar Invitational this Saturday. Will definitely keep y'all updated whenever the season opener is scheduled."
Jamaica's two-time reigning world champion could make her season debut at the Diamond League opener in Xiamen in a fortnight's time where world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson is also entered in the 200m.
In Jackson's absence, two-time world bronze medallist Sada Williams of Barbados took victory in 22.82 from Denmark's Ida Karstoft.
Courtney Lindsey won the men's 100m in Miramar, edging out Jamaica's Ackeem Blake with both men clocking 10.28. Former world champion Yohan Blake finished down the field in 10.52.