Family and friends support Kenny Bednarek from Rice Lake

RICE LAKE, Wis. (WEAU) - Over 40 family and friends gathered in Rice Lake Sunday to cheer on Kenny Bednarek in the first of his three events at the Paris Olympics.

“We’re all so excited!” said Mary Kay Handorf, Bednarek’s aunt. “I thought at first, family is about 25 or 30 and then all these other people show up. It’s awesome and we have a lot of fun with this. We’ve been looking forward to it since, well, since we heard he was going to the Olympics.”

Bednarek has been a track star his whole life, dating back to his stellar career at Rice Lake High School where he earned state records in the 100, 200, and 400 meters. “He was always just a natural, that inborn ability in him. He’s just built for it,” said Bednarek’s cousin George Handorf. “And he lover it. So, what better, you know, to do what you love and be really good at it.”

While Bednarek came up short in his quest for a medal with a 7th place finish in the 100 meters, his family will be quick to remind you that this isn’t his preferred distance. “I think he’s going to do amazing in the 200,” said Bednarek’s sister Alys. “The 200 is his strength. He got silver last time. I guarantee you, he’s going to get gold. He’s worked so hard for this.”

So, as Bednarek continues to run for gold this week in Paris, he has an outpouring of support coming his way from Rice Lake.