I Took Risks Most Wouldn't- Fred Kerley Opens Up After Arrest and Career-Defining Win

Left Image source: Alaysha Johnson Instagram

I Took Risks Most Wouldn't- Fred Kerley Opens Up After Arrest and Career-Defining Win

Festus Chuma 18:56 - 13.05.2025

Fred Kerley returns with a win and powerful message after arrest, highlighting resilience, sacrifice, and his unconventional path to greatness.

Former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Fred Kerley has made headlines again  not just for his performances on the track but for his candid reflections following a turbulent week off it.

The American sprinter recently returned to action at the Franson Chance Last meet after skipping the Grand Slam Track Miami event due to legal issues.

Kerley was arrested earlier in the week for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend, according to multiple media reports.

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He was later released on a $1,000 bond and surprisingly showed up to compete at the Franson Chance Last meet.

Despite the controversy, the sprinter put on a powerful performance, clocking 9.87s (+2.3m/s) in the semi-finals and sealing the title with a time of 9.98s (1.8m/s) in the finals — consistently running under 10 seconds throughout the competition.

Questions mounted around his personal life and future in the sport, Kerley took to social media to send a message to both critics and supporters, reflecting on the highs and lows of his journey.

“Every medal I’ve earned carries more than weight — it carries pain, sacrifice, and a story the world will never fully understand. I didn’t just show up — I arrived in a sport where greatness is expected and pressure is constant. From the 400 to the 100, I didn’t follow the blueprint — I broke it. I took risks most athletes wouldn’t dare to, and still stood on the podium. Year after year. Race after race.,” he wrote on Twitter.

A Message of Resilience and Grit

Kerley's post offered rare insight into the emotional and physical toll of competing at the highest level.

Fred Kerley's mugshot (L) when he was arrested in Miami in January (R)

Being one of the few sprinters who has excelled in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events, the Texas-born athlete said his medals represent more than just talent — they symbolize resilience and sacrifice.

"They don’t see the nights I ran through injuries, the days I trained in silence, the moments I carried doubt on my back but never let it slow my steps. They talk like one race defines me — but I’ve been showing up when it counts, not when it’s convenient."

Having won a silver medal in the 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and previously claimed bronze in the 400m at the 2019 World Championships, Kerley’s resume speaks for itself. Yet, he hinted at the emotional toll of constantly being underestimated.

"My medals aren’t just proof of speed. They’re proof of resilience, evolution, and dominance across every sprint discipline. Put me in the 100, 200, or 400 — I’ve done what legends chase their whole career. So when they question me, when they downplay my name — I remind them: I’m not just part of the conversation. I am the standard. I Am Fred Kerley. One of one. Built for the rounds. Built for the moment. Built to win."

On Lack of Recognition

Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley after the Olympic 100m final in Paris. (Credit: Imago).

Kerley also addressed a sentiment many elite athletes face — not feeling appreciated despite their achievements.

On a recent appearance on the Pivotal podcast, he spoke about how even an Olympic silver wasn't enough to win widespread respect or recognition in a highly competitive American sprinting landscape.

The 2025 season is now full swing, Kerley’s return to the track — and his bold, unapologetic message — has reignited conversations about not just his form, but his lasting impact on the sport.