Close to Paris Olympics 2024, Track and Field Rivalry Reignites After Fred Kerley’s ‘World Record’ Comment

When it comes to making bold statements, Fred Kerley isn’t one to shy away. Despite the recent disappointment at the Jamaica Invitational, Kerley refused to be bogged down by the adversities. Taking an unexpected loss from Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, the American Olympian has been working towards showcasing his best. And now, it seems like he’s finally put the difficult time behind and ready to send a message to his long-time rivals.

Kerley and Italy’s Marcell Jacobs’ rivalry has become urban lore in the track and field community. After their nail-biting race at the last Olympics, the two engaged in a war of words on social media in 2023, when Kerley took a potshot at Jacobs’ ordeal after the latter’s heartbreak at the European Championships. With Kerley itching to get back his mojo, his strife against the Italian just might be looking at Round 2.

Fred Kerley isn’t holding back on his thoughts

In a recent Instagram post by the official Diamond League Athletics account, Kerley’s bold claims have come to the fore. “Get ready @bislettgames, @fkerley99 means business“, reads the caption of the post, tagging the three-time World Championships gold medalist Kerley as well as the upcoming Diamond League Oslo event. The accompanying image highlights Kerley’s recent statement: “World record the next time I touch the 100m.”

With the Olympics only 73 days away, Fred’s claim to overthrow Usain Bolt’s high throne might not be a stretch to many of his fans. However, considering how things went at the last Olympics, Kerley might need to count his eggs beforehand. In Tokyo in 2021, when Marcell Jacobs and Fred Kerley locked horns for the men’s 100m event, the Italian clinched the first place while Kerley had to settle for a silver. Understandably, the San Antonio native feels the time to prove his mettle is finally here.

While the Oslo event is likely to set the mood for another thrilling affair in Paris later this year, Kerley will be looking at a long road ahead if he truly wishes to put his money where his mouth is.

Not an easy task ahead for Kerley

When Fred arrives on the banks of the River Seine in July, it won’t be only Marcell Jacobs ready to spoil his Olympic dreams. With the 2022 World Indoor Championships gold medalist, Kerley will also have to battle it out with his countrymen for the top spot on the podium. Only days ago at the Wanda Diamond League in China, Kerley was subdued by Christian Coleman in the men’s 100m race. After the race, Coleman also claimed that Usain Bolt’s records may be in peril of being broken soon, especially with the new generation of sprinters.

Not only Coleman, Kerley will also have to clash against the likes of Noah Lyles, Letsile Tebogo, Zharnel Hughes, and a staked contingent of Jamaican sprinters. While Kerley’s personal best in the 100m event (9.76) is better than both Lyles and Jacobs, it remains to be seen if he can follow up on his claims with definitive action at the Paris Games.