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Fred Kerley is an American track and field athlete who has the sixth fastest 100-metre time in history and has won two Olympic medals in the event. Find out more information about him here.
Fred Kerley is part of an exclusive club, sharing the feat of breaking the 10-second, 20-second, and 44-second barriers in the 100m, 200m, and 400m, respectively, with only Michael Norman and Wayde van Niekerk.
He might not be the most popular American athlete globally, but he has achieved unique feats that place him among the top track athletes that the world has ever witnessed.
In this article, we take a look at his life and achievements.
Fred Kerley Background (Who is Fred Kerley?)
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Born to Ricky and Virginia Kerley, Fred faced early challenges. His aunt, Virginia, later became his adoptive mother, taking on the responsibility of raising him and his four siblings. He holds her in the highest regard, crediting her as the most influential person in his life.
Kerley comes from a sporting family. His cousin, Jeremy Kerley, made a name for himself as a wide receiver in the NFL, playing for the New York Jets. His younger brother, Mylik Kerley, was also an athlete, and they ran together in a 4 × 400 m relay for Texas A&M.
Fred Kerley has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of global sprinting and has proven himself in both the 100-metre and 400-metre events.
Initially, Kerley's focus was on the 400-meter race, where he displayed exceptional promise. His natural speed and endurance were evident, and he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
After attending Taylor High School and competing for the College Station Sprinters, he joined South Plains College before transferring to Texas A&M.
Kerley's collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular. He dominated the 400m, setting multiple records and leading Texas A&M to its first-ever NCAA team championship. His most notable achievement was breaking the long-standing NCAA 400-metre record.
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In 2017, Kerley turned professional and signed with Nike. While initially focussing on the 400 m, he gradually began exploring shorter distances. His exceptional speed and power became apparent, and he started to excel in the 100m and 200m events.
Kerley's breakthrough came in 2021, when he secured a silver medal in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as he transitioned from a 400-metre specialist to a world-class sprinter.
In 2022, Kerley reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the 100-metre world championship title. He also became one of only three athletes to achieve sub-10, sub-20, and sub-44-second times in the 100m, 200m, and 400m, respectively.
He won gold as a member of the United States 4x100m relay team at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
How old is Fred Kerley? (Fred Kerley age)
Kerley was born on May 7, 1995, making him 29 years old as of August 2024.
Since 2026, when he first tried out for the Olympic team at the USA Olympic Trials at the age of 21, Kerley has gone ahead to achieve great things in his decade-long professional career.
Where is Fred Kerley from?
Fred Kerley is from Taylor, Texas.
Born and raised in the Lone Star State, Kerley's Texan roots have been a significant part of his journey to becoming a world-renowned sprinter.
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His early athletic development and high school years were spent in the state, laying the foundation for his future success on the global stage.
How tall is Fred Kerley? (Fred Kerley Height)
Fred Kerley is 6 feet, 3 inches tall.
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Standing at this height provides him with a significant advantage in sprinting events. His long strides contribute to his exceptional speed and power, making him a formidable competitor on the track.
Fred Kerley Personal Best
Initially a 400-meter specialist, Kerley clocked a personal best of 43.64 seconds, placing him eighth on the all-time list for the event.
However, his true potential emerged when he transitioned to shorter distances.
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In the 100 metres, Kerley has established himself as one of the world's elite sprinters. With a personal best of 9.76 seconds, he shares the sixth-fastest time in history alongside Christian Coleman and Trayvon Bromell, trailing only the legendary Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, and Justin Gatlin.
Demonstrating his versatility, Kerley also excels in the 200 metres, boasting a personal best of 19.76 seconds set in Nairobi in 2021.
Fred Kerley Coach
Fred Kerley's journey to becoming a world-class sprinter has been guided by two influential coaches.
The foundation for his success was laid by Alleyne Francique, a former athlete with a distinguished career including two indoor world championships and a fourth-place Olympic finish.
Francique's expertise played a pivotal role in Kerley's rapid ascent to the top of the sprinting world.
However, in September 2023, Kerley made a significant change by joining forces with Quincy Watts, a renowned figure in the world of athletics.
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Watts, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, is currently the Director of Track and Field at the University of Southern California.
Fred Kerley Olympics
Fred Kerley has participated in two Olympic Games and has medaled in both. However, both medals came in the 100-metre event, which he focused on prior to his first Olympic appearance.
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Despite facing backlash for making the switch from 400 metres to 100 metres, Kerley showcased his exceptional talent by securing the silver medal in the 100-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020
Building on his Tokyo success, Kerley entered the Paris 2024 Olympics with high expectations. Despite facing stiff competition from a field of world-class sprinters, he managed to secure a bronze medal in the 100-meter race.
This podium finish further cemented his position as one of the leading figures in the sport.
Fred Kerley Medals
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Olympic Games
Silver medal (100m) – 2020 Tokyo
Bronze medal (100m) – 2024 Paris
World Championships
Gold medal (4×400 m relay) – 2019 Doha
Gold medal (100 m) – 2022 Eugene
Gold medal (4×100 m relay) – 2023 Budapest
Silver medal (4×400 m relay) – 2017 London
Bronze medal (400 m) – 2019 Doha
World Indoor Championships
Silver medal (4×400 m relay) – 2018 Birmingham
Diamond League
Gold medal (400 m) – 2018
Gold medal (100 m) – 2021
NACAC U23 Championships
Gold medal (4×100 m relay) — 2016 San Salvador
What is Fred Kerley Net Worth? (Fred Kerley Net Worth)
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Fred Kerley's net worth is estimated at around $5 million, thanks to his achievements as a world champion and Olympic medallist.
His earnings are a combination of prize money and lucrative endorsement deals.
However, Kerley's financial landscape has been impacted by recent events. A controversial switch from Asics to Puma Spikes for the NYC Grand Prix led to the termination of his endorsement contract with Asics, potentially affecting his overall earnings.
Furthermore, his failure to defend his world championship title in 2023 resulted in a loss of significant prize money.
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Despite these setbacks, Kerley's bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics could be a game-changer.
His podium finish is likely to reignite interest from major sports brands, potentially leading to lucrative endorsement opportunities. As he continues to excel on the track, his net worth is expected to grow accordingly.
Fred Kerley Wife
Fred Kerley has successfully managed to maintain a strong focus on his athletic career, prioritising training and competition over public disclosure of his personal life.
Unlike many public figures, he has chosen to keep his romantic relationships private. To date, there has been no public information about a wife, girlfriend, or significant other.
Fred Kerley Social Media
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Fred Kerley presently has over 1.2 million Instagram followers, where he posts about his life, events, and career.
He also has a good presence on X (Twitter), where he has over 53,000 followers.
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