the highlight of kennedy's career came in the 1996 atlanta olympics. in the 5000 meter finals, kennedy surged to the front at the beginning of the penultimate lap and forced the pace. he held the lead for almost a lap and was ultimately passed just before the closing lap, eventually placing 6th. he had also made it to the finals of the 1992 olympic 5000 m race and placed 12th. he also ran the 5000 m in the world championships in athletics for the us in 1991 (12th), 1993, 1995 (12th), 1997 (6th), and 1999 (9th).