Fred Kerley, the Olympic 100m bronze medallist, has stirred the pot once again with a subtle jab aimed at his fellow sprinter, Noah Lyles. This time, the comment came after Lyles’ impressive victory in the 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. Lyles, the reigning Olympic 100m champion, cruised to an easy win, outpacing Bahamian Terrence Jones and Italy’s Marcell Jacobs, who finished second and third, respectively.
Despite Lyles’ dominant performance in the indoor event, Kerley wasted no time in making his stance known. Through a shared story on Instagram, the three-time world champion offered a pointed comment: “Indoor is indoor. The real dogs come and play outdoors.” While he did not directly mention Lyles by name, those familiar with the ongoing rivalry between the two sprinters easily understood the implication behind his words. The remark seemed to downplay the significance of indoor competitions in comparison to the more grueling outdoor races, where the stakes are often higher.
This is not the first time Kerley has taken a swipe at Lyles, and it certainly won’t be the last. Over the years, the two have exchanged barbs, either directly or through veiled comments, fueling a rivalry that has captured the attention of track and field fans. The tension between them continues to simmer, with no signs of letting up. While Lyles enjoyed a successful 2024 indoor season, including his victory in Boston, Kerley’s comment suggests he views outdoor events, particularly in the summer, as the true test of a sprinter’s capabilities.
Kerley’s dig at Lyles highlights a fundamental difference in their approaches to the sport. For Kerley, the outdoor season is where the real competition happens—the world stage where Olympic medals and world titles are won. Indoor races, while still impressive, are often viewed as a warm-up for the bigger challenges ahead. This is something Kerley has made clear in previous statements and social media posts, where he has repeatedly stated that his focus lies on the outdoor season.
Interestingly, this rivalry has been fueled not just by the athletes’ performances on the track, but also by their contrasting personalities. While both are undoubtedly talented sprinters, their differing attitudes towards the sport have added an intriguing layer to their rivalry. Lyles, known for his outgoing and charismatic demeanor, has often taken center stage in the media, while Kerley tends to keep a more low-key and professional profile. Their personalities are as much a part of the story as their race results, and it is clear that each athlete thrives on the competition with the other.
Last year, things escalated even further when Kerley made a public statement on Instagram Live, warning Lyles to stop mentioning his name. He suggested that any further provocations would only escalate tensions when they eventually meet on the track. The message was clear: Kerley is not one to back down in their rivalry, and he will not allow Lyles to get under his skin. It was a bold and direct challenge, something that only added fuel to the fire.
Despite their ongoing feud, the two sprinters remain professional when it comes to their careers. Their rivalry is rooted in competition, not personal animosity, and they continue to push each other to greater heights in their respective training regimens. However, with the 2025 outdoor season on the horizon, things are set to get even more heated. Both Lyles and Kerley will be aiming for supremacy in the 100m, and their rivalry will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling storylines of the year.
As the outdoor season approaches, fans can expect to see even more intense competition between the two athletes. With both being top contenders in the 100m, every race between them will be a high-stakes battle. Whether it’s in the World Championships, the Diamond League, or other major events, the rivalry between Kerley and Lyles is sure to provide thrilling moments for track and field fans around the world. And with both athletes hungry for victory, the heat between them will only continue to build as the 2025 season unfolds.
