Silver medal-winning US sprinter Fred Kerley once expressed that his aunt is the most influential person in his life. This is evident in a tattoo he has under his left bicep with her name, “Meme.” You might wonder why it’s not his parents’ names on his skin. The reason is deeply personal: Kerley’s upbringing was marked by adversity. Born to Ricky and Virginia Kerley, he found himself in a challenging situation with his father incarcerated and his mother struggling to cope with parenting responsibilities. As a result, at the age of two, Kerley was adopted by his aunt, who became his primary caregiver.

Fred Kerley, raised in the small city of Taylor near Austin, Texas, endured a challenging childhood. Despite the adversity, his bond with his Aunt Meme, whose real name is Virginia, was the cornerstone of his upbringing. When he and his three siblings faced the prospect of being separated, Aunt Virginia stepped in and adopted all of them, providing a stable and loving environment. This early act of kindness laid the foundation for Kerley’s journey to track and field-success. Kerley’s siblings also became sporting icons, inspired by their shared upbringing and Aunt Virginia’s support.

Who are Fred Kerley’s siblings?

Fred Kerley comes from a family deeply rooted in sports, with two brothers and two sisters. Their talent spans across the track and the American football field, reflecting a rich sporting tradition. Among them, Fred’s younger brother Mylik has achieved success, clinching titles such as the World Athletics Relay, Pan American U20 Champion, and NCAA Champion twice over in.

Meanwhile, his older brother Demarea showcased his versatility in sprinting and jumping disciplines during high school, with notable achievements including a 200m best of 22.95 seconds, a high jump of 1.93 meters, and a long jump of 7.16 meters in 2011. Additionally, his younger sister Virginia has carved her own path of triumph in long and high jump events, achieving a personal best of 6.21 meters in long jump in 2021 while representing Texas Tech with distinction.

Fred’s sporting lineage extends to his older cousin Jeremy Kerley, who made waves as a wide receiver for the New York Jets. Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches (1.90m), Fred’s athleticism wasn’t confined to the track; he was a versatile athlete who shone in various sports during his school days. Notably, he made his mark on the football field, where he played as a cornerback and safety, adding yet another layer to his multifaceted sporting prowess. However, amidst his Olympic aspirations for Paris, the big question arises: is Fred Kerley in contact with his parents?

The adoption story of Kerley and his siblings

As Kerley said, “I was adopted [sic] my dad in prison my mom somewhere I don’t know but look at me y’all ppl need help for real,” Kerley replied to a tweet in 2018. Growing up, Kerley found himself in a bustling household, sharing space with 12 cousins who were raised alongside him by Aunt Virginia. Reflecting on her influence, Kerley reverently states, “Aunt Virginia, the woman who raised me. The woman who made me who I am.”

Despite the challenges of crowded living conditions, Aunt Virginia’s love and guidance shaped Kerley’s character. Recalling their humble beginnings, he shares, “We had one bedroom… 13 of us in one bedroom. We were on the pallet.” Yet, amidst the adversity, Aunt Virginia’s compassion stood out. Kerley acknowledges her pivotal role in his life, affirming, “Without her I probably wouldn’t be here right now. I definitely wouldn’t be a world-class athlete.”

In 2022, Fred Kerley shared, “I talk to my parents every day. What happened before doesn’t happen now. I am a grown man. I can have a relationship with my parents.” However, the US Track and Field website further emphasizes Aunt Virginia’s significance in Kerley’s life, highlighting her selflessness and sacrifices. Noting her enduring impact, it states, “His aunt is the most influential person in his life… She would sometimes go without food to make sure the children ate… He makes sure he speaks to his aunt every day.”

This support from his family, coupled with Aunt Virginia’s nurturing guidance, propelled Kerley forward, instilling in him a drive to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Despite facing setbacks, including legal troubles and injuries, Kerley’s determination, fostered by his upbringing, continues to fuel his pursuit on the track.