Fred Kerley not too long ago opened up concerning the challenges of being a black athlete in America. The Olympic medalist highlighted the little media protection he will get, and spoke about being handled as ‘lower than’ different individuals.
Kerley had been probably the greatest sprinters Group USA has produced in recent times. The 29-year-old turned professional in 2017, and gained a silver on the World Championships within the 4x400m relay later that very same yr. On the 2019 Championships, he gained bronze within the 400m. In 2020, the American switched to the 100m dash. Within the shorter distance, Kerley has gained an Olympic silver and bronze, and the 2022 World Championships gold.
Not too long ago, Fred Kerley claimed that regardless of his a number of medal-winning performances in main worldwide competitions, he has not acquired the media protection he deserves. Talking on the Pivot Podcast, he highlighted the fact of being a black athlete in America, stating that he typically received missed in favour of lighter-skinned or white athletes.
“I am a n***a, they do not actually care about placing me on TV. When you go take a look at 2021 (and) even this previous yr, everyone received their TV time. However they will not put an individual like me on TV as a result of they really feel like I am lower than most individuals. They’d relatively have light-skinned brothers, a light-skinned sister or the white particular person on TV. Or a special sport, however most of us monitor guys get belittled more often than not,” he stated (at 25:37).
Fred Kerley registers disappointing end at Grand Slam Observe
After a powerful 2024 season that noticed him win the 100m bronze on the Paris Olympics, Fred Kerley has handled a combined bag of outcomes to this point in 2025. He made his season debut on March 22, when he competed on the Trojan Invite on the Loker Observe Stadium in Los Angeles.
In his season opener, Kerley clocked a ten.23s within the 100m, clinching the win with ease. Just a few days later, the American competed within the 4x100m relay on the Texas Relays, taking his second win of the season.
Publish this, Kerley headed to Kingston for the inaugural meet of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Observe. Competing within the brief sprints occasion group, the Olympic medalist registered a disappointing seventh place end within the 100m. He placed on a greater efficiency within the 200m, clocking 20.39s to complete third.
After his lukewarm efficiency in Kingston, Fred Kerley will return to motion at Grand Slam Observe in Might, competing on the league’s second cease in Miami.