Fred Kerley is on a mission to secure gold at the Paris Olympics. The U.S. sprinter, who clinched a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, initially started his career as a 400m specialist before switching to the 100m and 200m. Along with his Olympic medal, Kerley boasts three World Championship golds—two in relays and one in the 100m discipline, which he won in 2022.

Fred Kerley’s meteoric rise to prominence in track and field may seem like the picture of a perfect life, but his journey has been far from easy. He had a troubled past, growing up without the love and affection of his parents. It was only when his aunt stepped in to take care of him that his life took a positive turn. Her support and guidance changed the course of his life, propelling him toward the success he enjoys today.

Fred Kerley’s mom and dad were absent during his childhood 

Fred Kerley was born to Virginia and Ricky Kerley in San Antonio. However, his relationship with his parents was virtually nonexistent. Shortly after his birth, Ricky Kerley was sent to prison, and Fred’s mother was largely absent from his life. Along with his three siblings, Fred grew up without the love and attention most children receive from their parents. This challenging and neglectful upbringing made each day a struggle for the future Olympian, who would one day defy the odds to claim a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

With tensions rising between the brothers and sisters, things soon threatened to fall apart. Just as the siblings were about to split from each other, a messiah appeared. It was Fred Kerley’s aunt who stepped in and adopted Fred along with all his siblings. While narrating the tales of his childhood, Fred mentioned that his aunt had to go through a lot of complications as she raised thirteen children, including the Kerley siblings. However, looking back at his childhood, Fred Kerley does not repent. Rather he is always grateful that his aunt found him. 

Who is Kerley’s aunt ‘Meme’ who gave him a new life? 

Aunt Virginia or Fred Kerley’s beloved ‘Meme’ took it upon herself to give Fred a new life. Speaking about his childhood experience, Fred stated, “I was two when I first moved in with her, a toddler who didn’t know what was happening around him. My Dad ended up in jail, my Mom took wrong turns in life, which meant Aunt Virginia was the only one who could take care of me and my four siblings.” According to information provided on the official US Track and Field website, Aunt Virginia sometimes gave up her meals to ensure food for the children. 

Thus, it is only natural that Fred Kerley would term his aunt as the most important person in his life. Even amidst his busy schedule, Fred never forgets to give his aunt a call. He also has the name ‘Meme’ tattooed on his arm as a token of respect to the one who saved his life.

“To me, the tattoos are messages to myself every day to just keep on going and don’t take anything for granted. It’s like a stamp, a passport, about a place I’ve been or a thing I’ve experienced, a way to remind me of where I’m going, in track and in life,” he wrote in an essay on the World Athletics Spikes website. “In that sense, the one that means the most is that one on the inside of my left arm: Meme.”

However, looking back at his childhood, Fred has no regrets. He said, “At the end of the day, we all had fun, we enjoyed ourselves and are doing great things right now… What motivates me is coming from what I come from and not being in the same predicament. Keep on accomplishing great things. You don’t want to be in the same position as you were when you were younger.” Thus, with dreams in his eyes, Fred Kerley is marching towards fulfilling his Paris dreams. And the one person tirelessly praying for his well-being is Aunt Virginia.