At the 2023 World Athletics, U.S. athletes dominated the 100m tracks. LSU sensation Sha’Carri Richardson surpassed Jamaican track and field legends Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson to secure her first-ever gold in 10.65 seconds. On the other hand, 26-year-old Noah Lyles showcased his skills by clinching his 100m gold with a personal best time of 9.83 seconds.

Interestingly, this year, Noah Lyles’ track and field brother worth $5,000,000, was not spotted alongside him on the lineup to defend his 100m title. Fred Kerley, who had secured gold by clocking in an impressive time at the 2022 Worlds amid getting knocked out at the semifinals, could not secure his spot. However, despite this setback, Kerley has geared up to showcase his talent for the next track and field season. The athlete has also announced a massive update to help him get a hold of his career.

 U.S. Track and field star announces an update

On September 26, Citius Mag revealed an exciting update on X. According to the tweet, “2022 100-meter world champion Fred Kerley announced he is now being coached by Quincy Watts.” Interestingly, Watts, who secured two golds in the 1992 Olympics, held the NCAA record in the 400m (44.00) for 25 years before Fred Kerley broke it in 2017. The athlete finished the race in 43.70 seconds.

Furthermore, while discussing his sudden change in plans via an update on X, Kerley, who is gearing up for the Olympics 2024, stated, “Choosing to make changes is always risky, even riskier during a year like the Olympics. I felt that I needed to bet on myself. I needed to prove to myself that I was all in, and that meant seeking the guidance of Coach Watts.

Interestingly, this move comes after the athlete faced back-to-back disappointments during this year’s track and field season. The 28-year-old was also knocked out of the 100-meter final race of the 2023 World Athletics Championship.

A disappointing season for Fred Kerley

At the 2022 Worlds, Fred Kerley, with an electrifying performance on the 100m tracks of Oregon, was able to secure gold in 9.86 seconds. However, this year, the 28-year-old could not defend his title as he only secured the third position in the semifinals. Kerley and his on-track rival Marcell Jacobs lost their spots for the 100m finals by clocking in 10.02 and 10.05 in their respective semifinal events.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old sprinter was faced with another disappointment at the Xiamen Diamond League. Kerley, who was confident of winning the 100-meter event, secured the third position by clocking in 9.96 seconds, while the first position was clinched by his teammate Christian Coleman in 9.83 seconds.

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In essence, from not being able to defend his title to facing back-to-back losses on the tracks, Fred Kerley has genuinely encountered many setbacks this season. Hopefully, now, with the guidance of coach Watts, the athlete will be able to regain his dominance and join his track and field brother Noah Lyles to secure their spot at the Paris Olympics next year.

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