As the USA's Kenny Bednarek gears up for a bid to join his second Olympic team, the 200m silver medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has set his sights on meeting his childhood idol, Usain Bolt. In a recent interview with Nick McCarvel for Olympic.com, Bednarek revealed his admiration for the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 100m and 200m.
Despite his own accomplishments on the track, Bednarek has yet to meet the Jamaican sprint legend. "I've never met him, but Usain is somebody that I looked up to as a kid," Bednarek shared. "It'd just be nice to pick his brain, know his thoughts, and see how he was able to accomplish everything he did."
As Bednarek prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, he acknowledges the influence Bolt has had on his career while also emphasizing his commitment to his own training regimen and support system. "I'm trying to take some cues from the all-time great from Jamaica, but I'm also trusting my own process and the team that surrounds me," he said. "I just know all the work that I put in to help me reach this moment. I trust my coach, my technique, and everybody else who has supported me. The confidence is through the roof, and all that I need to do is execute."
Throughout his journey, Bednarek has learned invaluable lessons, including the importance of humility—a value instilled in him by his mother. "My mum always told me to stay humble," he remarked with a smile. "I've always told her to let me know if I ever get too cocky because I don't want to change just because I get more fame or more money. If I ever get a little too cocky, she always reminds me, and I appreciate her for that."
With Olympic and world medals under his belt and a growing social media presence, Bednarek remains grounded as he continues to chase his dreams. Meeting Usain Bolt would be a significant milestone for the American sprinter, symbolizing the connection between two generations of sprinting excellence.
As Bednarek looks ahead to Paris, his admiration for Bolt and his own dedication to the sport serve as dual inspirations, driving him to achieve even greater heights in his career.
Messi rules out Olympics participation with Argentina
Lionel Messi has ruled out the possibility of participating in the Paris Olympics, conceding "it would be too much to play two straight tournaments".
Messi is gearing up for Argentina's Copa America title defence, which begins against Canada on June 20, while they will also face Chile and Peru in Group A.
The final takes place on July 14, with the Olympic tournament beginning in Paris 10 days later.
With three overage players allowed per team in the primarily under-23 event, leading to speculation that Messi could feature for La Albiceleste.
However, the 36-year-old, who was a gold medallist in Beijing 16 years ago, revealed he would not be partcipating following a discussion with Argentina under-23s coach - and former team-mate - Javier Mascherano.
"I talked to Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation," Messi told ESPN.
"It's hard [to think about the Olympics right now] because we're in Copa America. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything, I'm not at an age to be in everything.
"I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments. I've been very lucky to play in the Olympics, and win it together with [Mascherano].
"It was a wonderful experience on a football level. Olympics, under-20s, memories I'll never forget."
Jamaica assembles 4x400m relay squad for New Life Invitational in final push for Olympic qualification
In a final bid to secure their spot at the Paris Olympic Games this summer, Jamaica's Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA) has announced a six-man relay team set to compete in the 4x400m relay at the New Life Invitational in the Bahamas on Sunday, June 17. The squad aims to surpass the qualifying mark of 2:58.45, a time that would move them ahead of France and Zambia, who have clocked 2:59.12, in the global rankings.
The selected athletes, Tarees Rhoden, Kimar Farquharson, Raheem Hayles, Jevaughn Powell, Shevioe Reid, and Malik James-King, bring a wealth of recent performance successes, particularly from the NCAA National Division 1 Championships held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Powell, who ran a season-best 44.54 seconds to place third in the 400m final, demonstrated his relay prowess with a blistering 44.34-second split for the Florida Gators, contributing to their third-place finish in the 4x400m relay. Meanwhile, Farquharson, primarily an 800m specialist, demonstrated his versatility with a 44.38-second split on the third leg for Texas A&M, securing the gold medal.
Hayles also put in a solid performance at the NCAA Championships, finishing seventh in the 400m final with a time of 45.58 seconds. James-King, who ran 45.59 seconds earlier this year, rounds out the team, bringing additional depth and speed.
This upcoming race in the Bahamas represents Jamaica's last opportunity to qualify for the Olympics, as the national championships scheduled for June 27-30 at the National Stadium in Kingston fall within the Olympic qualification window, which closes on June 30.
The urgency of this attempt is underscored by Jamaica's disappointing performances at the World Relays in May, where the team failed to crack the top 16 globally.
In the preliminary round of the World Relays, a team consisting of Assinie Wilson, Zandrion Barnes, Demish Gaye, and Malik James-King posted a time of 3:02.48. The second-round team, which included Rusheen McDonald, Wilson, Gaye, and James-King, fared even worse with a time of 3:05.09, highlighting the need for a revitalized and more competitive squad.
Accompanying the athletes to the Bahamas are Team Manager Brian Smith, Head Coach Mark Elliott, Coach Lamar Richards, and Massage Therapist Oral Thompson, all of whom are integral to ensuring the team's optimal performance.
On paper, Jamaica's new lineup boasts the credentials to make a successful bid for Olympic qualification. With key athletes hitting peak form at the NCAA Championships, there is a renewed sense of optimism and determination within the team. As they take to the track at the New Life Invitational, the eyes of a nation will be watching, hopeful that this talented group can deliver a performance worthy of Olympic contention.
Usain Bolt suffers serious injury during Soccer Aid 2024
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has sustained a serious injury during Sunday night's Soccer Aid 2024 charity match, held at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium. The world-famous sprinter was seen leaving the pitch on a stretcher after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, a devastating blow for the athlete and his fans.
Bolt, who has previously scored in the ITV-televised game, was eager to add to his Soccer Aid tally. Leading the line for the World XI alongside former Italian pro and Juventus megastar Alessandro Del Piero, Bolt showed his characteristic enthusiasm and determination. Del Piero managed to find the net, giving the World XI a 2-1 lead in the first half. Unfortunately, Bolt didn’t manage to score, and his team ultimately lost their lead, ending up on the wrong end of a 6-3 scoreline.
The situation worsened for the 37-year-old in the second half. Bolt went to ground with an injury and had to be replaced by comedian Jason Manford. The sight of the Olympic legend being stretchered off the field caused significant concern among fans and fellow athletes alike.
Late Sunday night, Bolt took to Instagram to reveal the extent of his injury. He posted a photo of himself in a moon boot, next to a pair of crutches in the World XI dressing room at Chelsea’s ground.
In his caption, Bolt wrote: "Ruptured Achilles but done know we a warrior." The post garnered numerous supportive comments, including one from fellow sprinter Justin Gatlin, who joked: "Bro what you out here doing?!? We retired remember," and a message from the official Olympics account, which read: "Sending positive vibes, and wishing you a speedy recovery."
Bolt's injury cast a shadow over what is usually a celebratory and charitable event. His participation in Soccer Aid has always been a highlight, drawing fans worldwide to see the track icon showcase his love for football. Despite the unfortunate incident, the event continued, with both teams and the crowd offering their support and well-wishes to Bolt.
In a statement following the incident, Bolt expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, "Thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support. I’m in good hands and will focus on my recovery. It’s a setback, but I’ll be back stronger."
Despite Bolt's injury, Soccer Aid 2024 successfully raised significant funds for UNICEF, continuing its mission to support children in need worldwide. Bolt’s involvement, even under such difficult circumstances, once again underscored his commitment to charitable causes and his enduring impact on the world of sports.
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