After Making Shocking Usain Bolt Claim, Christian Coleman Vows to Beat US Teammate Fred Kerley

The 2024 Xiamen Diamond concluded by throwing confetti around. In arch-rival Noah Lyles‘ absence, Christian Coleman denied victory to Fred Kerley by clocking in at 10.13s in the 100m dash. Coleman, the 60m world record holder, snatched back his 60m win at the 2024 World Indoors Championships after the USATF Championships loss. Thus maintaining his winning streak, he solidified his 100m status as well.

Taking pride in his composure and winning, the 28-year-old said, “I was able to just stay composed”. His confidence surged when in an interview he stated that touching GOAT Usain Bolt’s status is a no biggie. After listening to his claims and words coated with conviction, a track fan page posted a snippet of the interview, where he hinted at defeating his team member.

Christian Coleman is on the radar at the Shanghai Diamond League

Track and Field Gazette’s X post featured Coleman in an interview setting alongside Fred Kerley. His words went like this, “9.58 is obviously an extraordinary time but honestly I feel like it’s a lot of guys who are competing today who are not that far off, if the track gods see fit for it to happen”. Though this has caused a lot of stir, the actual game will happen on April 27th, at the Shanghai Diamond League, where the Olympian will get another chance to see how close he’s to Bolt. It’s no surprise that magic on track is awaiting to be repeated.

Coleman’s claims are ringing in everybody’s ears, but his following statements also bring the grounded athlete to the fore. Smashing Bolt’s WR is already a set goal by now. So, without emphasizing much, he wants to let it happen naturally, “on the right day, the right competition”. Reacting to this, a popular track legend left his valuable comment.

Michael Johnson first wants Coleman to beat Kerley again

After the 100m feat in the opening Diamond League round, clocking a 10.13s was way less than what Bolt would have achieved in the 100m. So, Michael Johnson wants to check how he can prove himself in the second DL round again, wrote, “World Champion Christian Coleman thinks he can beat Fred Kerley. World Champion Kerley does not agree! We’ll see which World Champ is right when they line up Friday”. 

On the other, US star Fred Kerley is no less of a dreamer. At the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the 28-year-old settled for the 100m silver. However, this time, he’s willing to upgrade it to gold. He’s working on the “drive phase and momentum” and wishes to take another shot in Shanghai against victor Christian.