)
Gatlin has sent Fred Kerley some tips following his recent troubles with injuries, disqualification from races and fallout with spike sponsor Asics.
Former American sprinter Justin Gatlin has sent words of advice to the unsettled 2022 World 100m champion Fred Kerley, who has been experiencing a tumultuous few months.
The 29-year-old sprinter has been dealing with injuries and recently parted ways with his spikes supplier, Asics, after breaching his contract by wearing Nike spikes before a race.
Kerley had signed up for the 100-meter sprint at a New York event but was seen wearing Nike shoes, which are competitors to Asics.
Ultimately, he did not compete in the race after failing to start from the block. Kerley explained that he had requested replacement blocks from his sponsors, but it did not go as he planned. He also claimed to have forgotten his Asics footwear at the airport, which left him with no choice but to wear Nike spikes.
)
15:36 - 15.05.2024
Usain Bolt beware : Fred Kerley makes sensational 100m promise
Fred Kerley has made a sensational promise with regards Usain Bolt's 100m record the next time he tries the race.
Shortly after the race, Asics issued an official statement announcing the end of their partnership with the three-time world champion, further complicating the situation for Kerley.
Additionally, Kerley made headlines and became somewhat of an internet meme after claiming on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he would easily break Usain Bolt’s 15-year 100m race record of 9.58 seconds.
In light of these events, Justin Gatlin expressed his concerns about Kerley’s situation and offered advice during his Ready-Set-Go podcast.
“I just want him to stay focused. Fred is a great talent. We have seen him run 9.7s like they are 9.9s, so we know he can get the job done,” Gatlin said.
)
18:00 - 10.06.2024
Omanyala looks back on Prefontaine Classic SB performance, reveals what he needs to work on to hit Olympic target
Omanyala achieved a season-best time of 9.98 seconds to finish second at the Prefontaine classic a few weeks ago and is using the race to find out what he needs to work on in order to be ready for the Olympics.
He emphasized that fans may have taken his world record comments the wrong way and ridiculed him for that. “If he does it, hats off to him. That is crazy.”
Gatlin speculated that Kerley's issues with Asics might have been a strategic move, drawing comparisons to when popular music artist Kanye West ditched Nike for Adidas.
“I hope this is like a Kanye West move on his part, that if he is unhappy where he is with Asics, he can find a loophole in his contract where he can terminate his contract without a lot of ramifications,” Gatlin remarked.
He stressed the importance of this year being solely focused on qualifying for the Olympics and doing well at the global showpiece in Paris.
)
09:42 - 10.06.2024
Fred Kerley's rollercoaster day at NYC Grand Prix ends with reportedly parting with ASICS
Fred Kerley and ASICS have reportedly parted ways after being seen on PUMA spikes at NYC Grand Prix.
“This is the year where nothing else outside of that 100m or 200m, or whatever you are going to compete in, matters. Nothing. You get the job done,” Gatlin said.
“You saw what it took in 2021 to cross that line first. He should be hungry to make sure this time, he does not get snubbed. The 100m is incredibly strong, and we know he can get certain things done under pressure, but I hope it is a ploy, a long game he is playing, because if not, I will be concerned as well.”
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)