Fred Kerley: Why the Olympic Bronze Medallist Always Wears Sunglasses During Races

Fred Kerley: Why the Olympic Bronze Medallist Always Wears Sunglasses During Races

Abigael Wafula 20:30 - 23.04.2025

Not once, not twice, Fred Kerley always wears sunglasses during races, and this article explores the reason behind his signature look.

Fred Kerley is one of the most talented sprinters in modern track and field, and aside from his speed on the track, the Olympic 100m bronze medallist also has a signature accessory that rarely leaves his face when he steps on the track — his sunglasses.

For such an influential person like Fred Kerley, his wearing of sunglasses has become instantly recognisable to his fans all over the world.

Whether he is on his way to winning the 100m or making a statement in the 400m, one thing is evident: Kerley rarely misses his pair of shades firmly in place.

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The look has since become his signature and has become a part of his identity, raising questions from his fans and other sports enthusiasts to wonder why he always has to have a pair of sunglasses during competitions.

Why does Fred Kerley wear sunglasses during races?

Why does Fred Kerley wear sunglasses during races?
Why does Fred Kerley wear sunglasses during races?

Some may see his decision as simply a fashion statement, just like Josh Kerr wears sunglasses and Sha’Carri Richardson competes with long, iconic nails, something that has made them stand out among other athletes.

One key reason behind the sunglasses is his partnership with Oakley, a globally renowned brand that specialises in high-performance eyewear and gear tailored for elite athletes.

Fred Kerley’s collaboration with Oakley began in 2023 and has since evolved into a meaningful endorsement. He serves as the brand ambassador for two of their top-tier designs, the Encoder Strike Vented and Heliostat models.

The company designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance eyewear, apparel, and accessories, but Fred Kerley will only be provided with glasses. Fred Kerley chose to work with Oakley, thanks to being one of the brands favoured by professional athletes.

Upon signing with Oakley before the Paris Olympic Games, Fred Kerley explained that one of his career highlights was getting a chance to work with the brand one more time.

“The brand’s dedication to going against the grain and celebrating individuality resonates with me as I am always embracing my true self both on and off the track,” Fred Kerley said at the time.

“As we near the summer games, I look forward to inspiring those around me to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.”

In this case, Fred Kerley’s sunglasses are more than a signature look and are a blend of him fulfilling his brand ambassadorial role, optimisation of his performance, and elevating his personal style.

The sunglasses offer an aspect of protection and help him maintain focus on his lane protection, focus, and a unique identity that separates him from the rest.

And for Fred Kerley, his sunglasses are just one more way of showing the world he is ready to compete on his terms.

As he prepares for the long 2025 season, Fred Kerley is banking on his partnership with Oakley to push him to greater heights and help him show up for races when needed.

He has yet to get a shoe and kit sponsor but remains unshaken of what is to come, believing his talent is the key to shining on the global platform and with that, they will come knocking on his door.

Fred Kerley's partnership with Asics, his primary sponsor, ended in June last year after the New York City Grand Prix. He had been with Asics for over a year after signing with the giant brand in February 2023, when his contract with Nike expired at the end of 2022.

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