It was probably written in the stars. With the latest fiasco between three-time world champion sprinter Fred Kerley and his sponsor ASICS, fans have been eagerly waiting to see how his next moves would pan out. Now, with the Olympic Team Trials just a few days away, it seems Kerley has decided to return to familiar territories.

Nike, along with another apparel giant, Adidas, has always been the top choice for American sprinters in recent years. The $145 billion sports merchandise manufacturers have a long list of celebrity stars on their roster. While Kerley’s appearance in Puma spikes during the warm-ups for the New York Grand Prix sparked significant speculation among fans, it seems he might be heading back to his old partners, keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Only yesterday, the Olympic medalist was rumored to be leaving ASICS for Puma. However, the latest post on X by Track Spice might indicate something entirely different. Earlier today, the post started doing rounds on social media and showed Kerley in Nike gears, captioned “Fred Kerley posts a Nike fit today.” The post might even make some fans emotional, because before signing with ASICS, Kerley used Nike products.

On the other hand, Puma has been racking up partnerships with many of the biggest and most exciting names in the sprinting community in recent years. After ASICS issued an official statement following Kerley’s last-minute decision to pull out of the NYC Grand Prix, notifying the world of the brand and the runner parting ways, many fans were convinced that Puma would add another American superstar.

However, it seems the homegrown brand ultimately came out on top in the race to secure Kerley, becoming the name that will supply him with the necessary merchandise to bring out the best in him as he prepares for the Olympics.

Fred Kerley’s final preparations before the team trials

Kerley has been leaving no stone unturned as he eyes his maiden Olympic gold in Paris. Winning two back-to-back Hurricane Invitational editions in March and April men’s 100m sprints, Fred has bolstered his claim of being in the national team as a member of the delegation that will represent the country at the French capital in August. However, his competitors are also fixated on taking the fight to Kerley as they also gear up to make the team trials a thrilling affair later this month. While fans are still skeptical about Fred’s boasts about setting a new world record in the 100m, the 29-year-old isn’t shy to stir up old rivalries by himself.

Last week’s NYC Grand Prix was projected as the last event before the trials for Kerley to test the waters. However, after slipping on his block twice, he decided to opt out of competing at the last moment.

Considering how the Italian Marcell Jacobs and Fred Kerley have a longstanding on-track feud, and with Jacobs being one of the biggest faces in the Puma roster, it remains to be seen if Kerley has what it takes to find the boost to bring their rivalry to a decisive end in Paris.