'If you count me out, keep on counting me out'- Fred Kerley sends defiant message to doubters ahead of Paris Olympics

'If you count me out, keep on counting me out'- Fred Kerley sends defiant message to doubters ahead of Paris Olympics

Mark Kinyanjui 21:00 - 05.07.2024

Fred Kerley has sent yet anothey bullish message to doubters who have given him limited chance of delivering gold in the 100m of the Paris Olympic games.

American sprint star Fred Kerley has a message for those who have written off his chances at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris following a challenging season. 

Despite a rocky start, Kerley managed to qualify for the 100m event and aims to bring home the gold for the US, a feat not achieved since 2004.

Kerley's season has been tumultuous, including a publicized split with his spikes supplier Asics after being seen wearing Nike spikes at a meet. 

This change coincided with unexpectedly poor performances in the Suzhou and Xiamen Diamond League events. 

In May, Kerley took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to pledge his goal of breaking Usain Bolt’s long-standing 9.58-second record in the 100m, a declaration that attracted significant ridicule. 

However, in a recent interview with Citius Mag, Kerley sent a bullish message to those doubting him ahead of the games.

Addressing his critics, Kerley stated, "If you count me out, keep on counting me out because I know I am counting myself in no matter what.

 "You do not know the athletes' plans. The coaches know what you are training for. You are not training for one race, but multiple ones all year. I can go running 11.0s one day and then Boom, the next day I could run rounds much faster. We train for rounds, not race offs," he emphasized.

When asked about his often provocative remarks on social media, Kerley explained his approach, noting that he typically goes silent before major championships.

 "If you know me, you know I like to put stuff out, but right now, I am going back into dark mode, and dark mode is a bit crazy. I feel like I have been like this my whole life. 

“If you understand me, you should know me, but from the outside looking at me, people do not know me. But from the inside looking out, people around me know what I have been on."

Kerley’s determined outlook and his strategic silence suggest that he is focused and ready to defy expectations at the Paris Olympics. His journey and performances leading up to the Games will be closely watched as he aims to make a significant impact on the track.

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