Kenny Bednarek wins the 100m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 (© Getty Images)
If there’s a key to success in the 100m, it’s the ability to stay relaxed while moving at top-end speed, and USA’s Kenny Bednarek did that to perfection as he claimed the men’s 100m title in 9.85 (-0.6m/s) at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest on Saturday (12).
He was followed by world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica (9.90) with USA’s Ronnie Baker third in 9.93, edging Nigeria’s Kayinsola Akayi (9.93) into fourth by four thousandths of a second. Christian Coleman took fifth in 9.94.
“This one was for the history books,” said Bednarek, who was watched trackside by Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles. “Everything is a little bit more exciting than at the World Championships but also this event brought a bit more pressure on me as there is a lot on the line.”
Seville had settled into his blocks as the slight favourite after cruising to victory in his semi-final in 9.90 (-0.2m/s), with Bednarek taking victory in the other semi-final in 9.94 (-0.7m/s).
Seville got the better start in the final, overhauling early leader Coleman midway through the race, but just as he did Bednarek appeared on his left, the US sprinter’s 200m strength paying dividends over the latter half.
Seville’s technique began to falter as he approached the line, striving for its arrival, but Bednarek was composure personified, raising his arm and running almost as fast around the bend as the celebrations began.
Bednarek has won his share of silver medals at global level over the years, finishing second in two Olympic finals and two world finals over 200m but now, at last, he is an individual global champion. And he has the chance to double up in Sunday’s 200m.
“I will get my sleep in and go back to work tomorrow,” he said. “I want to win a double title and make people happy.”
Seville said he “wanted to run faster but Kenny got the best out of this race” and he congratulated the champion. “It has been a long season and I am tired at this point,” he added. “I will take time off now and I know what I've got to improve for next year. I want to keep the world champion title next year.”
Baker was pleased with his third-place finish. “I had a really good showing today,” he said. “It has been a while since I have been on a big world stage in a final and I missed that. I love this format and I know we are keeping a lot of people on their toes. It is fun, it is fast and it is entertaining.”
Cathal Dennehy for World Athletics
