Fred Kerley Track and Field Olympic Medalist, how track saved his life, extreme confidence, calls out Noah Lyles, how being a father changed him, addresses police incident in Miami, preparation, mission to become fastest man in world
Apr 4, 2025
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Fred Kerley, an Olympic medalist and world champion in track and field, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring football and basketball player to one of the fastest sprinters on the planet. He discusses how overcoming challenges, including a life-changing decision to leave Texas, shaped his resilience. Kerley reflects on the pressures of high-stakes races and the dedication to preparation that defines his success. He also opens up about the transformative impact of fatherhood and his mission to elevate the respect track and field deserves in the sports world.
Fred Kerley's transformative journey from injury to Olympic success demonstrates the power of resilience and seizing unexpected opportunities in sports.
Despite facing immense pressure and public scrutiny, Kerley's commitment to fatherhood and family has profoundly influenced his life and mindset.
As he prepares for future Olympic competitions, Kerley emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and strategic planning for both athletic and personal growth.
Deep dives
Competitive Family Background
Coming from a highly competitive athletic family played a significant role in shaping his drive and ambition. With a father who played basketball at the college level and an uncle who won an NBA championship, the sports culture in his family created an environment where winning was emphasized. Although track and field often received less recognition compared to football and basketball, he navigated this landscape after sustaining a collarbone injury that shifted his focus. Ultimately, this injury led him to pursue track, which although initially seen as a less glamorous option, became his pathway to success.
Turning Point Due to Adversity
Sustaining an injury turned out to be a pivotal moment in his career, providing him the opportunity to focus on sprinting, which he excelled in unexpectedly. He described how this chance pivot allowed him to achieve remarkable times in the 100-meter dash, leading to accolades such as winning a silver medal and top finishes in competitions. He recognized the struggles faced by his family members and how his contract not only changed his life but also offered a better future for his children. This transition affirmed his belief that pursuing athletics was his ticket out of a difficult environment.
Pressure and Expectations in Competition
Performing in high-stakes races, particularly at the Olympic level, brings immense pressure, often determining one's career trajectory and financial success. He explained that, unlike many other sports, merely reaching the finals in track events does not guarantee monetary rewards; only top finishes ensure financial viability. He shared insights into the mindset required before a race, where distractions fade, and only the finish line remains in focus. For him, the preparation, both mental and physical, leading to these fleeting moments of competition serves as the crux of his professional life.
Navigating Personal Challenges
His recent run-ins with the law highlighted the challenges he faces outside of athletic success, juxtaposing his public achievements with personal turmoil. Despite the media narratives surrounding his experiences, he emphasized the struggle to communicate his truth amid public scrutiny. Understanding that perceptions can be misleading, he remains grounded in his responsibilities as a father, aiming to create a better life for his children. He articulated that the adversities in his life have shaped his character, teaching him resilience and the importance of maintaining faith amidst uncertainty.
Looking Forward with Ambitions
As he approaches the next Olympic Games, he is focused on maximizing his potential both as an athlete and as a businessperson. He indicated that his journey in track and field is far from over, with aspirations to continuously improve and possibly set world records in future events. Exploring opportunities beyond athletics, he is dedicated to preparing for life after competition through education and investing in real estate and other ventures. His future goals reflect a commitment to ensure his family's security while striving for personal growth in both sport and life.
“I became world champion in a year and a half. People ain't been on my level. I’m more than special.” Fred Kerley
Fred Kerley’s speed on the track is matched only by the intensity of his mindset and the strength of his journey. Sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred- the guys are taking back by his serious demeanor and no-play attitude.
From a football and basketball hopeful to one of the fastest men in the universe, the Olympic medalist and world champion sits down with The Pivot crew to talk about the twists, turns, and challenges that shaped his career.
Kerley doesn’t hold back as he reflects on the defining moments of his life, Growing up in a tough environment, being adopted, and making a life-changing decision to leave Texas to pursue a professional contract, which he credits to helping him mature faster and avoiding the pitfalls that trapped so many around him.
Kerley opens up about handling various pressures of being an elite sprinter and how hundreds of hours of preparation comes down to less than a minute and how your whole life and career can change in 9 seconds. Building up mental resilience to stay focused and achieve success is the goal every second of the day.
While Fred dominates the track, he shares his thoughts on life beyond racing—his love for farming, his dedication to his kids, and why he believes track and field doesn’t get the respect it deserves compared to the NBA and NFL.
Of course, Kerley doesn’t shy away from the rivalries that fuel his competitive fire, taking direct aim at Noah Lyles: “Go look at the record books, look who got more wins.”
Whether it’s lining up against the best in the world or proving his critics wrong, Kerley is confident in his abilities and unapologetic in his approach. With high expectations swirling around the 2028 LA Olympics, he’s determined to go out on top and spend his next 2 years regaining his title as fastest man in the world.