Fred Kerley, who aspires to beat the 100m record of Usain Bolt, will not feature in the upcoming Stockholm Diamond League. In a recent X update, an account by the name of Chris Chavez has confirmed the news. The update read, “Stockholm Diamond League organizers (June 2) announce 2022 World champion 🇺🇸 Fred Kerley has withdrawn from the meet.”
Reportedly, Kerley has been facing difficulties with his training and has been allegedly injured. With such huge news coming in, Fred Kerley is assumed to be missing the meet in Oslo as well. As the Olympics come closer, Kerley should be looking to maintain optimum physical conditioning to fulfill his Paris dreams.
Stockholm Diamond League organizers (June 2) announce 2022 World champion 🇺🇸 Fred Kerley has withdrawn from the meet.
"Fred Kerley has had problems with injuries during the last week's competition and training which has limited him. That is why he has chosen to cancel his…
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) May 20, 2024
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29-year-old Kerley currently rules the position of the eighth fastest man in history over 400 m with a personal best of 43.64 seconds. While the world stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerley was determined to focus on his Olympics dream for the 100 m category. Eventually, Kerley made it possible by securing a silver in the Tokyo Olympics clocking 9.84 seconds. Besides several other accolades, Kerley has won the Diamond League series twice in 2018 and 2021 respectively.
The recent reports regarding him missing the Stockholm Diamond League have created quite a buzz because of the latest statement by Kerley. With the rivalry between Kerley, and Noah Lyles making headlines, Kerley boastfully claimed “World record the next time I touch the 100m.” Currently, the record stands at 9.58 seconds under the name of none other than Jamaican track legend, Usain Bolt.
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Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley trade bold predictions, while US women track stars face tough competition
America’s gold medalist Lyles shared on social media that he would run 9.65 for 100 m and 19.10 for 200 m. While Kerley was asked by ESPN for his opinion regarding Lyles statement, Kerley too had this own thoughts to share. “I’m Fred Kerley, this is my title. If Noah’s going to run 9.65, then I’m running faster”, stated proud Kerley. And to this Lyles further replied, “That’s what they all say ’til they get beat.”
Besides this, when it comes to the women’s category, America’s track stars might be facing formidable challenges from Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and Great Britain’s Daryll Neita. Shericka Jackson has recently won the 200 m race at the Marrakesh Diamond League in Morocco on May 19. US track sensation Sha’carri Richardson was absent in the Marrakech Diamond League. Richardson clocked 22.99 and 23.11 seconds in the Xiamen and Suzhou Diamond League. Jackson was timed 22.82 seconds in the Marrakesh Diamond League.
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Sha’carri Richardson was recently also defeated by British sprinter Daryll Neita in the Shanghai Suzhou Diamond League. In the 200-meter dash grabbed the top podium place clocking 22.62 seconds. And Richardson stood in third position after America’s Anavia Battle finishing at 23.11 seconds. Neita also grabbed another win in the Doha Diamond League. But unfortunately lost to 25-year-old US sprinter Candace Hill in the Atlanta Games.
With the rapid ups and downs in the track world, America’s journey to Paris is getting even more thrilling with each passing event. What are your thoughts on the same?