Fred Kerley was making a comeback after pulling out of the 200m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
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World 100m sprint champion and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Fred Kerley stood up to the expectations by winning the men’s 200m easily at the Maurie Plant Meet 2023, formerly known as the Melbourne Track Classic on Thursday, February 23. Kerley was making a comeback after pulling out of the 200m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon. He made a terrific start at Lakeside Stadium, but it was Australia’s fastest man Rohan Browning who led the race through the opening phase. Nevertheless, with roughly 90m to go, the American shifted to maximum speed, moving past Browning. Thirty meters from the finish line, Kerley started to celebrate. He crossed the line with a timing of 20.32 seconds. Browning came second in 20.71 seconds, while compatriot Aidan Murphy finished third in 20.76 seconds.
Post his race, Fred Kerley stated, “I was here to put on a show for Australia. I still have to work on the bend. The goal is double gold [referring to the world championships 2023] in 2023.” The versatile sprinter, who will compete in the 400m at the Sydney Track Classic on March 11, 2023, said he was in a good shape. The American is one of just three men to have raced the 100 meters in under 10 seconds (9.76), the 200 meters in under 20, and the 400 meters in under 44 seconds (43.64). Wayde van Niekerk and Michael Norman are the other athletes to have accomplished the feat.
On Monday, February 20, 2023, Fred Kerley made the announcement that he had joined ASICS for the 2023 campaign. He debuted with his new Asics gear during the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold in Melbourne this week. In a press statement from Asics announcing the news of their collaboration, Kerley stated that he was excited to join a new team just as he was beginning his 2023 campaign. He added that he wanted to use his position as a world champion and prominent track athlete to promote the sport. He said, “I hope to inspire more kids to participate in track and field. Partnering with Asics will only help as we collectively aim to grow the sport into the future.”
Read more: What is Fred Kerley’s net worth, salary and brand endorsements?
