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After Usain Bolt’s Cryptic Message, US Track Star Fred Kerley Makes a Demand on Fans Behalf Ahead of Paris Olympics

Published 04/16/2024, 8:37 AM EDT

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Usain Bolt has left an indelible mark with his dazzling performances at the Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016 Olympics. Yet, as the Paris 2024 Olympics loom just three months away, the anticipation for a potential comeback of the sprinting legend reaches a fever pitch. In a moment of contemplation, Bolt shared a cryptic message, expressing a heartfelt sentiment: I wish I could see Usain Bolt run one more time 🥶.” As anticipation builds among spectators and athletes alike, the question persists: will Bolt once again grace the Olympics?

This enigmatic post ignites fervent speculation and excitement among fans worldwide. Responding to Bolt’s message, fellow sprinter Fred Kerley echoed the sentiments of many, urging Bolt to “Give the ppl what they want big bro.” It appears Kerley harbors an eager ambition to surpass Bolt’s records on the track. However, there was a time when Kerley almost broke the record of Usain Bolt.

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In July 2022, Fred Kerley shared a training clip showcasing his blistering pace, particularly in a 150m dash, where he clocked a jaw-dropping time. Bolt’s world record for the 150m stands at 14.35 seconds. Yet, Kerley’s claimed time of 14.01 seconds not only eclipses Bolt’s record but obliterates it by an astonishing margin.

Even 7 years after his retirement, Usain Bolt‘s name continues to sparkle like a comet streaking across the night sky. People still know him as the ‘Fastest Man Alive.’ This enduring recognition came from his record-breaking performance at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin. Bolt achieved feats in both the 100 meters, clocking a time of 9.58 seconds, and the 200 meters by finishing in a remarkable 19.19 seconds.

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What’s more impressive is that these records remain unbeaten, to this day. However, there are always athletes striving to surpass Bolt’s speed and break his records. Among them is Noah Lyles, who boldly declared about Usain Bolt, “He was the fastest man ever to do it, and soon, it’ll be me. Similarly, Fred Kerley acknowledged Bolt’s supremacy, and said, He’s got the bar, we’re just trying to get there.

It’s not only while training; Kerley was once about to break Bolt’s record in a championship as well.

How Fred Kerley’s record-breaking triumphs set the stage for sporting immortality

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Eugene holds a special place in Fred Kerley’s heart. It was there at the USA Trials in 2022 that he unleashed his swiftest performances to date. He clocked an impressive 9.76 and 9.77 seconds within a single day, catapulting him to the esteemed rank of the sixth fastest 100m sprinter in history. With just a hair’s breadth of 0.18 seconds separating him from Usain Bolt’s legendary 9.58 mark, Kerley edged closer to realizing one of his fervent aspirations.

Fred Kerley’s aspirations have always reached beyond the present moment and he has openly acknowledged the same, “I want to be great and my name to last for generations and not just for right now. I want my name to last for generations to come.” As the year 2024 unfolds, it becomes evident that Kerley is not merely chasing records or titles; he is striving to cement his place in history.

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Written by:

Maleehah Shakeel

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Maleehah Shakeel is an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports who covers equestrian sports, rodeo, bull riding, and Gymnastics. Maleehah’s stories revolve around various brand endorsement deals of athletes like Jessica Springsteen, Jennifer Gates, and Olivia Dunne. She has written in depth about the brand collaboration between Jessica Springsteen and Tommy Hilfiger.
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Edited by:

Himanshu Sridhar