Fred Kerley Won the bronze medal in the 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics

First-placed US's Noah Lyles (7), second-placed Jamaica's Kishane Thompson (4) and third-placed US's Fred Kerley (3) cross the finish line at the end of the men's 100-metre final [Jung Yeon-je/AFP]

Fred Kerley secured a bronze medal in a thrilling 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The race was incredibly close, with the top three finishers separated by mere thousandths of a second.  

A Fierce Competition
The 100m final was a showcase of world-class sprinting talent. Kerley faced stiff competition from a field of exceptional athletes. Ultimately, it was Noah Lyles who claimed the gold, with Kishane Thompson taking silver.  

Despite the intense competition, Kerley delivered a strong performance to secure the bronze medal. His consistent speed and powerful finish showcased his status as one of the world’s top sprinters.  

This medal adds to Kerley’s impressive Olympic resume, following his silver medal in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics.

USA Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024: A Complete List

Here’s a table showing Fred’s current world ranking positions in the Men’s 100m and Men’s Overall Rankings:

EventPlaceScore
Men’s 100m131331
Men’s Overall Ranking1811331

PERSONAL BESTS

EventLocationDateCountryPerformanceScore
100 MetresHayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA)24 JUN 2022USA9.761291

Fred’s progression

YearPerformanceLocationDate
201410.56Stephenville, TX (USA)06 MAR 2014
201510.49El Paso, TX (USA)21 MAR 2015
202011.05Life University Track & Field Stadium, Marietta, GA (USA)15 AUG 2020
20219.84National Stadium, Tokyo (JPN)01 AUG 2021
20229.76Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA)24 JUN 2022
20239.88International Stadium, Yokohama (JPN)21 MAY 2023
20249.81Stade de France, Paris (FRA)04 AUG 2024

Here’s a table showcasing Fred’s honours across various competitions:

https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/fred-kerley-14504382

CompetitionMedalEventDate
Olympic GamesSilver100 Metres01 AUG 2021
Bronze100 Metres04 AUG 2024
World ChampionshipsGold4×100 Metres Relay26 AUG 2023
Gold100 Metres16 JUL 2022
Gold4×400 Metres Relay06 OCT 2019
Silver4×400 Metres Relay13 AUG 2017
Bronze400 Metres04 OCT 2019
7th400 Metres08 AUG 2017
Diamond League FinalGold100 Metres09 SEP 2021
Gold400 MetresSelect Date

Born on May 7, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas, Fred Kerley displayed a natural talent for running from a young age. He honed his skills at Taylor High School, representing the College Station Sprinters youth team.

Kerley’s collegiate athletic journey began at South Plains College, where he competed from 2013 to 2015. He then transferred to Texas A&M University, where he would make a significant impact on the track and field scene.

Rise to Prominence

Kerley’s potential shone brightly during his college years. In 2016, while he didn’t qualify for the Olympic team, he represented the United States at the NACAC Under-23 Championships, securing a gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay.

The following year marked a breakthrough for Kerley. He clinched the 400m title at the NCAA Division I Championships with a world-leading time of 44.85 seconds. This exceptional performance was just the beginning of his dominance. He went on to shatter the NCAA record in the 400m, clocking an astonishing 43.70 seconds.

Transition to the 100m

Despite his exceptional 400m prowess, Kerley made a strategic decision to focus on the 100m during the Olympic cycle. This shift in focus aimed to enhance his raw speed, laying the groundwork for future sub-43 second 400m attempts.

The gamble paid off handsomely. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kerley secured the silver medal in the 100m with a time of 9.84 seconds. This remarkable achievement solidified his position as one of the world’s fastest sprinters.

A Versatile Champion

Kerley’s versatility is unparalleled. He is one of only three athletes in history to achieve sub-10 seconds in the 100m, sub-20 seconds in the 200m, and sub-44 seconds in the 400m. This extraordinary feat highlights his exceptional athleticism and endurance.

His impressive resume includes multiple medals at the World Championships across various events, including the 100m, 400m, and relays. Additionally, he has clinched eleven Diamond League races, showcasing his consistent dominance on the global stage.

Fred Kerley’s journey from a promising young athlete to a world-renowned sprinter is a testament to his dedication, talent, and strategic mindset. His impact on the world of track and field is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes worldwide.