Track and field doesn’t just run on gold medals. It runs on buzz, and Fred Kerley knows that better than anyone. That’s why when the brand-new Grand Slam Track series debuted in Kingston on March 4, the stars came out in full force. This wasn’t just a meet—it was the place to be. Big crowd, big energy, and even bigger checks: $100K for the winner, $10K just for showing up and placing eighth. In such a sport where visibility is everything and money’s usually tight, the Grand Slam Track felt like a breath of fresh air. Athletes weren’t just racing the clock—they were chasing clout, cash, and maybe a few eyeballs from sponsors with deep pockets. And let’s be real: if you’re not making noise in track, you’re basically invisible! But here’s where things get weird.

Fred Kerley’s been making noise for years. He’s got medals, world titles, Olympic hardware, and more speed than rush hour traffic. The guy turned pro in 2017 and has done everything short of walking on water, yet somehow, he’s still not raking in the kind of sponsorships you’d expect. Need proof?

Fred Kerley’s race may have slipped, but his style didn’t

Well, Grand Slam Track might’ve just proved that! Fred Kerley was out there, ready to show the world he was the king. As he lined up on the track, the first thing fans noticed wasn’t his speed but his kit. While everyone else was rocking the usual Nike or Adidas, Fred showed up in a plain black tank top with a small white logo, leaving everyone scratching their heads. But don’t worry, he revealed the brand after the race during an interview. For now, let’s set that part aside because everyone knew his race would be one to watch! But..

As on April 4th, Fred Kerley lined up for the debut meet in Kingston, and let’s just say—things were heating up before the gun even went off. The rivalry was real: Fred vs. Kenny Bednarek. Now Kenny’s the king of the 200m when it comes to head-to-head stats—he’s finished ahead of his Grand Slam competitors 39 out of 50 times. That’s a wild 78%! But over 100m? That’s Fred’s turf. History says he’s taken 16 out of 21 wins, so yeah, expectations were sky-high.

But the race? Didn’t exactly go the way Fred probably pictured it. Bednarek came out swinging and snatched the win with a 10.07, just a breath ahead of Oblique Seville, who clocked 10.08. Fred? He ended up seventh with a 10.30—not what anyone had on their bingo card. Still, the man didn’t flinch. After the race, he jumped into an interview with CITIUS MAG and kept it as cool as ever. “It’s smooth, keep on going… I’ll be ready for the next race tomorrow,” he said, like it was just another day at the office. Sure, the race might not have turned heads, but what really got fans talking was the mystery behind the brand he was wearing.

So after the race, the interviewer asked, “What are you representing here?” And Fred didn’t miss a beat—“This is my coach’s brand—JB.” That coach? Quincy Watts—a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 400m and 4x400m relay, and now the Director of Track & Field at USC. But why was Fred Kerley wearing his brand despite having a silver and a bronze Olympic medal, too? Well, right now, Fred isn’t backed by any major brand. He is the same guy who was once sponsored by Nike until…

Kerley’s ever-changing sponsorship story

Fred Kerley faced extreme highs and extreme lows in securing sponsorships throughout his athletic career. It all started when Nike offered Fred Kerley his first sponsorship in 2017, which was essential for his early professional development. But the expiration of his Nike contract in 2022 led Fred to pursue new sponsorship possibilities. And then came ASICS! And he did secure a deal with Asics in February 2023 as a new professional partnership for his Olympic sprinting career. Even the company at that time planned for this agreement to extend over multiple years because it aimed to increase its track and field market presence. Unfortunately, the relationship didn’t last long.

In June 2024, during the NYC Grand Prix, Fred showed up in Puma spikes, despite still being under contract with ASICS. He later explained the mix-up, saying, “I left my bag at the airport.” However, this incident led to a parting of ways between Fred and ASICS. The brand announced through social media that their collaboration had ended after just one year. Despite this, Fred has not been left without sponsorships.

Also, his relationship with shoe companies hasn’t always been smooth. Fred has voiced frustrations about how athletes are valued in the sponsorship world, stating, “I feel shoe companies don’t respect us athletes.” These emotions show the struggles that some top athletes face when dealing with brands, even when their performance on the track is undeniable. He’s currently supported by Oakley for performance eyewear.

While some sprinters land big deals, Fred’s journey shows that the road to lasting sponsorships can be a bit bumpy. But even with the ups and downs, he’s still crushing it on the track. What’s next for Fred? Only time will tell, but it’s sure to be one to watch!