Fred Kerley: Biography, Childhood, Career, Achievements, Net Worth, Height, Weight, Wife, and Inspiring Story
Fred Kerley is an American track and field sprinter who has made a name for himself in the sport with his exceptional speed and talent. Kerley has competed in various events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, and 4x400m, and stands as one of merely three individuals to have achieved sub-10-second timings in the 100m, sub-20-second timings in the 200m, and sub-44-second timings in the 400m. In this biography article, we will delve into Kerley’s early life and background, highlight of athletic career, awards/achievements, hobbies, net worth, relationships, and more.
Fast Facts about Fred Kerley
| CATEGORY | INFORMATION |
| Full Name | Fred Lee Kerley |
| Nick Name | Fred Kerley |
| Profession(s) | Track and field athlete (Sprinter) |
| Famous for | World 100m Champion (2022)
Olympic Games Silver Medalist (2021) He is one of the three athletes of sub 10s, 20s, and 44s Club |
| PERSONAL DETAILS | |
| Date & Place of Birth | May 7, 1995, in Taylor, Texas |
| Age (as of July 2023) | 28 |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Gender | Male |
| Sexuality (Gay or Lesbian) | Straight |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Father: Ricky Kerley
Mother: Virginia Kerley |
| Siblings | Two brothers (Mylik Kerley, and Demarea Kerley) and two sisters |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Girlfriend Name | NA |
| Hometown | Taylor, Texas, United States |
| EDUCATION | |
| Highest Qualification | Degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development |
| School | Taylor High School |
| College | Texas A&M University; South Plains College |
| Fred Kerley Twitter | |
| Fred Kerley Instagram | |
| CAREER | |
| Professions | Track and Field Sprinter |
| Years Active | 2014 – Present |
| Coach/Mentor | Alleyne Francique |
| Agent | PACE Sports Management / Ricky Simms |
| Club | PURE Athletics |
| Sponsor/Team | Asics / Nike |
| Turned Pro | June 2017 |
| Sports | Track and field |
| Event | 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 4×100 meters, and 4×400 meters |
| Favorite Event | 100 meters |
| Ranking as on 19.07.2023 | World Men 100m: 4
World Men’s Overall Ranking -26 World Men 200m: 13 |
| Honors Summary | 2x World Champion
2x Diamond League Final winner 1x Olympic Games Silver Medallist 1x World Championships Silver Medallist |
| Personal Bests | 100m: 9.76 (Eugene 2022)
200m: 19.76 (Nairobi 2021) 400m: 43.64 (Drake Stadium, 2019) |
| NET WORTH | Around $5 million (as per various online sources) |
| PHYSICAL APPEARANCE | |
| Height (approx.) | 6’3” ft (191 cm) |
| Weight (approx.) | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Social Media Followers | Fred Kerley has over 1M followers on Instagram.
Fred Kerley has over 42.8 K followers on Twitter. |
Early Life and Background
Fred Kerley was born on May 7, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas, to Ricky Kerley and his wife Virginia Kerley. Fred Kerley comes from a large family that includes his four siblings. Kerley started his track career in high school, competing in the 200m and the 4x100m relay. He only began running the 400m in college after his coach suggested he try it.
Fred Kerley’s Childhood Hardship
Fred Kerley’s childhood was marked by significant hardship and adversity. His father was sent to prison when he was young, and his mother was absent from his life. He was adopted by his aunt Meme as a toddler, and he grew up in a single room with 12 other relatives. Despite the challenging living situation, Kerley remained determined and focused on his goals. He found solace in sports and began competing in track and field in high school. His experiences have shaped his character and fueled his drive to succeed in track and field.
Education and Training
Kerley attended Taylor High School and South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, where he competed in track and field. He later transferred to Texas A&M University, where he continued his athletic career and earned a degree in agricultural leadership and development.
Early Athletic Career
In 2014, Fred’s potential shone as he aided the South Plains College Texans in securing the Silver medal at the NJCAA Division 1 Championships. Although 2016 saw him miss the Olympics qualification, he clinched the gold at the NACAC Under-23 championship as a part of the 4x100m team. However, it was 2017 that truly defined his trajectory.
Career Highlights
2017:
- In June, Fred Kerley won the 400m at the USATF Championships with a time of 44.03 seconds, qualifying for the World Championships in Athletics.
- At the World Championships, he finished seventh in the 400m final and earned a silver medal in the 4x400m relay.
2018:
- Despite an injury, Kerley made a successful comeback and won the Diamond League trophy in the men’s 400 meters.
- He joined club ALTIS in Phoenix, Arizona, for training but returned to Texas A&M in 2019 to train under his former coach Alleyne Francique.
2021:
- In March, Kerley achieved personal bests in the 100m, running 10.15s in the heats and 10.11s in the final.
- He improved his time to 10.03s in the 100m and ran his first sub-10 second race at the TRUfit Classic in April.
- At the Golden Spike, he won the men’s 100m in 9.96s and finished second in the 200m with a time of 20.27s.
- During the 2021 US Olympic Trials, Kerley ran a sub-20 second 200m race, joining the “Sub 10s, 20s, 44s club” with Wayde van Niekerk and Michael Norman.
2022:
- At the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Kerley won his first individual World Championship gold medal in the 100m with a time of 9.79 seconds.
- In the final, he ran 9.86 seconds, narrowly beating compatriot Marvin Bracy and completing an American clean sweep with Trayvon Bromell finishing third.
Awards and Achievements
Fred Kerley has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career as a professional track and field sprinter. Here are some of his notable awards and achievements:
| 🏆 2x World champion |
| 🥈 1x Olympic Games Silver medallist |
| 🏆 2x Diamond League Final winner |
| 🏆 1x NCAA indoor and outdoor 400m champion |
| 🏆 3x National champion |
| 🚀 Set the collegiate 400m outdoor record |
| 💨 Ran 12 sub-45 second races in 2017 |
Other Activities and Hobbies
Off the track, Fred Kerley finds solace in simple pleasures. His hobbies include cooking, basketball, football, and spending quality time with loved ones. His vibrant Instagram account @fkerley99 offers a glimpse into his multifaceted life, captivating his 1 million followers with snapshots of his athletic journey and personal moments.
Net Worth
Fred Kerley’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to various sources. His net worth is primarily attributed to his work as a professional athlete, including contracts, salaries, bonuses, and endorsements. Kerley has represented top brands such as Nike. However, no official data is available for his exact net worth.
Relationships/girlfriend of Fred Kerley
There is no information available about Fred Kerley’s current relationship status and dating life.
Top Facts about Fred Kerley:
- Sporting Legacy: Fred Kerley comes from a family with a strong sporting tradition, including siblings excelling in track and American football.
- Siblings in Athletics: His younger brother Mylik is a talented 400m sprinter, and they teamed up for relay races at Texas A&M University. His older brother Demarea also participated in sprints and jumps in high school, while his sister Virginia shines in long and high jumps at Texas Tech.
- Cousin’s Football Career: His older cousin Jeremy Kerley played as a wide receiver for the New York Jets in American football.
- Athletic Versatility: Fred played multiple sports in school, including basketball, and stood out in American football, playing cornerback and safety positions.
- Aunt’s Influence: Raised by his aunt Virginia (Meme), who became his guardian at a young age, shaping his character and providing a supportive environment.
- Tattoo Enthusiast: Fred has several tattoos, including his aunt’s nickname ‘Meme’ and various religious symbols like the Virgin Mary, praying hands, and crosses.
- Deep Religious Faith: His tattoos reflect his strong Christian faith, and he spent significant time in church, with religion remaining a cornerstone of his life.
- Daily Prayers: He prays for strength and guidance daily, emphasizing his enduring connection to his faith.
Fred Kerley’s remarkable journey in track and field has been marked by his exceptional speed, talent, and dedication to the sport. With his impressive performances and numerous accolades, he has solidified his position as one of the top runners in the world. As he continues to compete and strive for excellence, Fred Kerley is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of track and field.
