Fred Kerley has become a household name in track and field, but it seems his talents might not be limited to just the world of sprinting. Recently, in a podcast, the multi-talented athlete was the center of some playful banter from former sprinting greats Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green. The two, who have seen their fair share of athletic careers, joked about Kerley’s unconventional approach to training, suggesting he might want to consider exploring other sports.

The banter highlighted Kerley’s openness to stepping beyond traditional track training. Kerley, 2022 world champion and Olympic silver medallist in Tokyo 2020 at the 100m, has recently been incorporating baseball drills into his regimen.Kerley has recently changed his training regimen despite being an incredible runner on the track.

“I don’t know if it’s necessarily cross-training or if it’s like he’s really taking it seriously and trying to get out there and see what he can do, but more power to him, man. Go do what you do,” said Gatlin during an episode of the Ready Set Go podcast. His peers can’t help but take notice of Fred Kerley adding baseball drills to his training. “You know what I’m saying? We wish him good luck, man. He’s been on the Ready Set Go show before, and we’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Gatlin added. “He’s been an unorthodox training athlete and done a lot of different things to make him successful.”

But what really stands out is the deep respect Gatlin and Green have for Fred’s versatility, even if it’s in an entirely different sport like baseball. “If you get picked up by some team, you let us know, man. I’m trying to get me some tickets to come out there and see what you’re doing, bro,” said Gatlin. This shows just how much support Fred has from his fellow athletes.

Gatlin and Green’s discussion went beyond a simple criticism of Kerley’s workout routine. It was a lighthearted acknowledgment that venturing outside of his sport might contribute to his performance in previously unobserved ways. And Kerley is far from alone in this venture.

Fred Kerley’s path mirrors moves by Devon Allen and Roje Stona

Fred Kerley’s approach to baseball is not the first time that a track and field athlete has sought another sport. Athletes like Devon Allen and Roje Stona have clearly illustrated that changing the discipline codes presents how one can transform their core skills in entirely different types of performance. Their risky changes are examples of enhancing the new tradition of multisport athletes.Devon Allen, a 110m hurdles specialist and one of the fastest in history, perfectly balances athletics and football. Having been a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and an Olympic footballer, Allen has had to switch to track with Grand Slam Track after his career was cut short by an injury. “Whether I’m on the field or on the track, I love competition,” Allen said, explaining his zeal across both the fields.

Similarly, Olympic discus champion

Roje Stona attempted to join American football via the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. He has already performed for scouts with NFL franchises such as the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. Stona exhibits striking sporting prowess, and there is absolutely no doubt about it. His decision to pursue a football career after achieving unbelievable success in track and field events reveals his ability to take up a new vocation.

Both

Allen and Stona reflect the flexibility and desire of like Kerley as any other sportsperson. If Kerley just keeps trying out baseball drills, their stories may inspire him to move away from one’s comfort zone. Could Kerley’s foray into baseball be the first step on the road to this transformative path?