Fred Kerley, the American sprinting sensation, boldly declared in May 2024, “World record next time I touch the 100m.” But things didn’t exactly go as planned. Injuries kept him from a few Diamond Leagues, and then a false start at the NYC Grand Prix threw his season into disarray. Kerley was disqualified before the final race even began, a major blow that cast doubt on his chances of making the US Olympic team.

Despite the setbacks, Fred Kerley fought his way through the US trials, securing third place in the 100m and earning his spot in Paris. There, he delivered under pressure, winning a bronze medal and reminding the world of his speed. However, the real shocker at the NYC Grand Prix wasn’t just his false start—it was what he was wearing on his feet.

Kerley was spotted in PUMA spikes—a bold move for someone with a multi-million-dollar deal with Asics. This fashion faux pas didn’t go unnoticed. Asics quickly severed ties, leaving Kerley without a shoe sponsor as he geared up for Paris. The question on everyone’s mind: Who would Fred Kerley lace up with next?

Fast forward to his first race post-Olympics at the Lausanne Diamond League, where Fred Kerley finished third in the 200m. And then, like a plot twist in a sports drama, the answer arrived. A post on X by RoriDunk announced that Kerley had re-signed with Nike. Yep, you read that right. Kerley was back in Nike’s camp and was competing in their kit at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise.

During the Paris Olympics, Fred Kerley found himself without a sponsor, but he didn’t stray far from his roots. He laced up in Nike spikes for the 100m final, a choice that proved to be a winning formula. Kerley dashed to a bronze medal, clocking a swift 9.81 seconds, and reminded everyone of his speed and resilience.

Kerley first inked a deal with Nike back in 2017 after claiming the NCAA championship. His partnership with the brand saw some of the finest performances of his career, including a silver medal in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics and three medals at the World Championships. So, when he departed Nike in 2022 and signed with ASICS a year later, it raised eyebrows.

Upon joining ASICS in 2023, Kerley expressed his excitement, stating, “Ultimately, I hope to inspire more kids to participate in track and field. Partnering with ASICS will only help as we collectively aim to grow the sport into the future.” It seemed like a promising new chapter for Kerley. However, just a year later, the partnership ended under controversial circumstances and cryptic messages!

The controversial end to Fred Kerley’s and ASICS’ relationship

Before the New York Grand Prix, Fred Kerley attracted a lot of attention at the warm-up. This was because he seemed to be sporting PUMA spikes instead of ASICS. Many believed that Fred Kerley made this decision because ASICS is suitable for middle-distance runners, whereas PUMA is designed for short distances. When he was asked why sported PUMA, he said, “I ain’t switch it up. I left my bag at the airport.” However, ASICS understandably didn’t appreciate the move and decided to mutually part ways with him just one year into their deal. The official statement read: ” ASICS and Fred Kerley have mutually parted ways, and he is no longer an ASICS-sponsored athlete. We wish him the best in his career.”

However, ASICS understandably didn’t appreciate the move and decided to mutually part ways with him just one year into their deal. The official statement read: ” ASICS and Fred Kerley have mutually parted ways, and he is no longer an ASICS-sponsored athlete. We wish him the best in his career.” He would later share a video of him on Instagram wearing Puma spikes with the caption, “What’s understood don’t need to be explained.” Kerley wouldn’t finish the race with many claiming he was disqualified due to a false start. However, according to him, he walked out of it. His career and his sponshorship both hanged in balance back then.

Now, it seems Kerley has finally decided to put all speculation and rumors to rest as he returned into familiar territory with Nike. Would their second partnership replicate the same success as the first? What do you think?