Jason Kenny is one of Britain’s most successful track cyclists, standing out amongst what has already proven to be a golden generation for the national team. An out and out sprinter, Kenny has won Olympic medals in both the individual and team disciplines, as well as a host of victories in the European and World Track Championships. Born in Bolton in March 1988, Kenny was a highly successful junior rider before being thrust onto the top stage. He competed for several years in the Future Stars series in Manchester, finishing in the top ten in 2005. The following season he was taking titles for Britain at the Junior World Championship and was contesting senior events a year later.
At 20 years old Kenny found himself on the plane to the 2008 Beijing Olympics; after strong performances in training he was awarded a place on the Sprint team, taking gold in Team event and silver in the individuals. His achievement was recognised with an MBE in the New Years Honours list. Kenny also joined the professional outfit Team Sky+ HD.
2011 brought gold in the Sprint at the Track World Championships, indicative of Kenny’s form heading into his home Olympics in 2012. He didn’t disappoint, again taking gold in the Team event and, after getting the spot ahead of Sir Chris Hoy, claiming another in the individual Sprint. An OBE followed.
The 2013 season saw Kenny secure his first major win in a third discipline, the Keirin, during the Track World Championships.