“Track ain’t safe no more.” With just five words, Fred Kerley triggered a storm just days after his breathtaking performance at the Mt. SAC Relays, finishing first in the 400m event, clocking 44.73s! Fresh off declaring himself the better sprinter over Noah Lyles on The Pivot Podcast, Kerley didn’t just talk the talk. He backed it up on the track. On the same day, Lyles ran 400m at the Tom Jones Invitational, and let’s just say, even though his 45.87 was a personal best, it was nowhere close to Kerley’s time. Even sprint legend Justin Gatlin couldn’t help but applaud. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. One that put Noah Lyles and the entire track community on serious notice.

Now, riding high on that dominant 400m performance, which can safely be called the Fred Kerley resurgence, the Olympic medalist has turned his attention toward the rest of the track world. Never one to shy away from a little smoke, Kerley threw a subtle jab at his rivals just days later, hinting that anyone thinking they had the upper hand should think again. With the Olympic season heating up, and after his share of legal troubles and sponsorship woes, Fred Kerley is making it known: he’s stronger than his adversities. He is not just chasing medals. He’s coming for crowns.

Fred Kerley took to Instagram Stories, posting a video with a message that resonated loudly within the track and field community. “Everybody wants to be great, but everybody doesn’t want to put their work in. Greatness, nothing less, but success,” Kerley’s words weren’t just a motivational clip. They were a statement, marking his intent to not just compete but dominate in his pursuit of greatness. The timing of this post couldn’t have been more fitting, considering his electrifying run at the Mt. SAC Relays, where he decisively outpaced Noah Lyles and sent a clear message to the entire sprinting world. He’s not just a contender; he’s the one to watch.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Noah Lyles was in action at the Tom Jones Invitational. Though Lyles’ time was an impressive achievement for his first pro 400m race, it paled in comparison to Kerley’s dominant performance. Lyles faced strong competition, with Jacory Patterson taking first place in Heat 1 with a time of 44.27 seconds. In the final, Lyles finished 14th with his 45.87, while Christopher Robinson took the top spot with a 44.15-second finish. Despite Lyles’ personal record, it was clear that Kerley’s 44.73 was a far superior mark.

This head-to-head contrast only amplified the buzz around Kerley’s performance, making it impossible for rivals and critics to ignore his place in the conversation. The result left the door wide open for discussions about the true benchmark in sprinting, and Kerley’s confident social media post only added fuel to the fire.

The rivalry between Lyles and Kerley heats up

The rivalry between Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles has escalated to new heights, with both athletes taking aim at each other in recent weeks. Kerley was particularly vocal during his appearance on The Pivot Podcast, where he fired shots at Lyles, claiming he wasn’t on his level. “Go look at the record book; look who got more wins. I’m dealing with more of the stuff than he is. I’m telling you, he’s not built like me,” Kerley boldly asserted. The remark stung, and it wasn’t long before the Olympic 100m champion fired back, making his own thoughts clear in a podcast of his own.

When Lyles heard Kerley’s comments, he wasn’t quick to lash out. Instead, on his Beyond the Records podcast with teammates Rai Benjamin and Grant Holloway, Lyles acknowledged the difference in their life experiences. “I never went through that,” Lyles said, referring to Kerley’s tough upbringing. He also shared the physical challenges he’s faced. Particularly with asthma, recalling countless sleepless nights spent in hospitals struggling to breathe. “I’m not built like you and you’re not built like me. And I’m perfectly fine with that because I got the Olympic gold,” Lyles added, emphasizing his satisfaction with his achievements despite their contrasting paths.

The exchange didn’t just stop at personal jabs. It also highlighted the shifting power dynamics in the sprinting world. Lyles took pride in his 2023 World Championship victory, which saw him dethrone Kerley as the reigning champion. But now, with both men pushing their limits in their respective events, the competitive tension between them has only intensified.