Last time, Fred Kerley just dropped an emoji and left the discussion. The two-time Olympic medalist did not find it necessary to put his reply to Cole Hocker’s challenge. After all, the middle-distance runner kept his mindset in front of everyone when asked to concede his preferred event if he had been given a chance to counter Kerley on the track. It came out during a tête-à-tête hosted by the Grand Slam Track—the track event where Kerley and he are the entrants. So, coming up with an instant reply was not in Kerley’s mind. However, those who know the Olympian understand that he may not take on the task lightly. And it has happened eventually. 

The drama started with Hocker voting for the 600-meter event, describing it as neutral for him and Kerley. However, he didn’t mention any venue or particular date of the event. All he said was, “I think 600’s a good…” Those words left the fans gasping, thinking of witnessing another track rivalry. Do you know what the added fun is?

To compete in the challenge, Fred Kerley would have to overcome his reputation as a short-distance sprinter and race over a longer distance. What can be a better track challenge than this? And let us tell you, it will be far more different from the upcoming Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill clash. How? Here, both athletes are Olympic medalists and will have to forget their usual distance events to pull off the rivalry. Therefore, an interest had already been brewing at the corner. All it needed was Kerley’s comment regarding his participation. That has finally come. 

On November 9, the 29-year-old athlete dropped his thunderbolt through a few lines. On X, he wrote, “Pick the city, no cold place. No track either we taking it old school I want the street [emoji].” He also tagged Cole Hocker with the post to make his ultimatum straightforward. Interestingly, in his comment, the Texas native chose “the street”, not the usual tracks as his preferred battleground to shape the rivalry. Wouldn’t it go against him on the D-day? Remember Cole Hocker’s comment? 

During the Grand Slam Track interview, Hocker contemplated which event he’d like to see Fred compete in. After a few silent seconds, he revealed it as the 600m event. However, he knew Fred’s supremacy in the 400m race. So he spun a few things and threw his weight behind the 600m race. But do you know what those things are on which Hocker banked? 

In the conversation, the 23-year-old said, “After 400, it turns to strength. Like distance strength.” According to him, being a middle-distance runner, he could overtake Fred in the last phase of the distance. He believes that Kerley’s supremacy in the 400m events may fall short on race day to push him beyond the finishing line before him. However, another Olympic champion believes something different. 

Fred Kerley earns support from the Olympians 

Since Fred Kerley said “yes” to Cole Hocker’s challenge, two things have transpired on the matter on X. Josh Sadlock suggested the race be hosted in “sunset boulevard.” However, Fred Kerley has already shown interest in this suggestion by putting an emoji in the comment box. Another is Michael Johnson’s comment. 

The chief of Grand Slam Track couldn’t miss the debate that had been happening in the backdrop of his contest. He expressed his support for holding such an event in the days ahead. But with that, he penned something interesting. On X, he chimed in with his lines, “Two guys who always bet on themselves! Both bringing major confidence and swagger. Fred is one of the fastest 400m of all time before switching to 100. 600 may be a bit short for Cole. But this would be [emoji].”

Is there any alert for Cole Hocker? Remember, Johnson has Olympic golds in the 400m event and the veteran surely knows the nerve of the sport. On the other hand, Justin Gatlin has opened his arms for Kerley. 

In one episode of his Ready Set Go podcast, the former Olympic champion said, “You the killer boogey man, whatever you want to call him, man, hey, good dude, man, really good dude man.” That poses a huge certificate for Kerley. Not only that, Gatlin also backed Fred’s presence of mind in the events. As per him, the former world champion can take the steering of any event on his best day. Those positive words may make things hard for the fans to choose their sides in the fresh track rivalry episode.