Track and field athletes practice extensively before events. However, recuperation is one of the most vital elements, besides running skills and other physical factors. In his most recent X post, Kenny Bednarek highlighted a sprinter’s healing process and revealed two important components—one of which his mother seems to have doubts about!
The American sprinter has his own timetable, which includes time for training and a health checkup. Aside from the necessary medical check-up, the athlete emphasized the importance of food and sleep, saying:
“Real healing doesn’t happen in the doctor’s office. It happens in the kitchen. It happens in bed.”
While training can significantly improve an athlete’s performance, Bednarek emphasizes the importance of nutrition and rest. The 25-year-old follows a rigorous diet and understands the importance of getting his nutrition from it.
He also understands the value of bedtime as it allows him to sleep and recover properly, improving his training even more the next time he arrives on track.
Real healing doesn’t happen in the doctor’s office.
It happens in the kitchen.
It happens in bed.
— Kung Fu Kenny (@kenny_bednarek) August 27, 2024
However, after seeing this social media post, Bednarek’s mother, Mary, commented, “Kitchen for sure, bed?” Not always.” The athlete responded, “Need my 9 hours of sleep.“
Bednarek knew the importance of sleep and informed his mother that he needed nine hours of rest. However, Mary was concerned and responded to him, writing, “On your way to bed already, Are ya jet lagged or something?”
On your way to bed already, Are ya jet lagged or something?
— Mary Ann Bednarek (@mary_bednarek) August 28, 2024
The athlete’s mother’s concern was justified, given that Bednarek would attend the Silesia Diamond League shortly after the Paris Olympics. Even though he had time to rest, traveling across time zones might disrupt a person’s daily rhythm.
Bednarek’s mother has been a significant part of his life, from his adoption to his recent Olympic success. During The Running Effect Podcast with Dominic Schlueter on Spotify, the athlete credited Mary with his athletic achievements.
Bednarek’s number one fan
Bednarek said, “My mom is my number one fan,” in response to the podcast host’s question about his mother’s involvement in his track and field career.
Mary played an important role in the American sprinter’s rise to the professional level and his ability to represent Team USA on a global platform. He thanked her for her assistance, saying he would not be known as “Kung Fu Kenny” today if she hadn’t been there for him.
Due to financial constraints, Bednarek could not fulfill many of his plans to take Mary to track meetings throughout the 2024 season. But he still insisted on taking her to the Olympics in Paris, and she saw her son win silver in the men’s 200-meter finals.
While praising his mother, whom he called a “trooper,” the 25-year-old highlighted Mary’s role in adopting and nurturing her children to excel in their professional lives. Bednarek also called her the “best mom in the world” because of her devotion towards them.
