Fred Kerley reveals what must be achieved before hanging spikes at Los Angels 2028 Olympic quest

Fred Kerley reveals what must be achieved before hanging spikes at Los Angels 2028 Olympic quest

Festus Chuma 20:00 - 21.08.2024

Fred Kerley vows to continue his sprinting career until he achieves his ultimate goal at the LA '28 Olympics.

American sprinter Fred Kerley has made it clear that his retirement is on hold until he secures an Olympic gold medal.

The 27-year-old athlete captured a bronze medal in a fiercely competitive 100m race at the Paris Olympics, finishing with a time of 9.81 seconds, just shy of Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson who both recorded 9.79 seconds.

Kerley, a former world champion, entered the Paris games with high hopes of rebounding from a disappointing 2023 season where he failed to make the final in the 100m at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Reflecting on his performance in Paris, Kerley felt he gave everything he could on the day.

"In Paris, I think I got the job done on that day. That's all I had on that day. I feel like the job's still not finished because 2028 is around the corner. I'm not leaving my career (without) Olympic gold and 2028 around the corner, but I feel like everything was given on them days at the championship on to the next one," he stated.

Despite his personal success, the U.S. team faced challenges, notably in the 4x100m relay.

A critical error between teammates Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek during the baton exchange led to their disqualification, a mishap that deprived Kerley of another potential medal.

Furthermore, despite expressing his interest in participating in the 4x400m relay, Kerley was not selected for the team, which eventually triumphed over Botswana to clinch the gold.

Looking ahead, Kerley is focused on continuing his strong performance as he prepares for the upcoming 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

Before that he will compete in the 200m at the Lausanne Diamond League.

This event slated for August 22 will see him face formidable opponents including Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo and fellow American Erriyon Knighton.

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