‘That boy got a lot of dawg in him’ – Ato Boldon backs Fred Kerley’s medal hopes for Tokyo and LA 2028
Ato Boldon, the retired Trinidadian sprint legend and four-time Olympic medalist, has reaffirmed his belief in Fred Kerley’s ability to contend for medals at both the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the World Championships in Tokyo. Boldon, who has long been a keen observer of the sport, pointed out that while Kerley may face personal and legal challenges, his commitment to the track remains unwavering.
Boldon recalled that many were unsure about Kerley’s chances of making the U.S. team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the American sprinter surprised critics by not only securing a spot on the team but also clinching a bronze medal in the men’s 100m final. This performance further solidified his place as one of the top sprinters in the world.
“I wasn’t sure he was going to make the team,” Boldon shared during an Instagram live session. “But Fred would find a way, that boy’s got a lot of dawg in him. Think of Quincy Hall, too. What team has Fred not made of late? In 2023, he made the team. In 2024, he did the same. In 2022, he was the world champion, and in 2021, he was the highest finisher for the U.S.”
Boldon explained that despite the struggles Kerley faces off the track, his ability to perform under pressure is unparalleled. He emphasized that Kerley has shown time and again that he can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most. Even with his personal setbacks, including a recent altercation with police in Miami and ongoing legal issues, Boldon is confident that Kerley will bounce back and continue to be a formidable force in sprinting.
“Fred has had his challenges,” Boldon noted. “He’s getting older, and he has some drama in his life, but I’m not ready to bet against him, not with a home Olympics coming up in 2028.”
Kerley’s start to the 2025 season has been rocky, following an incident in Miami that saw him arrested, stun-gunned, and charged with battery, resisting officers, and disorderly conduct. Furthermore, he faces additional legal battles, including charges of robbery and domestic battery brought by his wife. Despite these setbacks, Kerley has kept a low profile and has yet to announce where he will begin his 2025 season.
Boldon acknowledged that the challenges Kerley is dealing with could affect his performance, but he firmly believes that the American sprinter’s resilience will prevail. Kerley’s track record speaks for itself his consistency in making teams and winning medals at the highest level has been exceptional, and Boldon is certain that the sprinter’s perseverance will continue to pay off.
“Let me tell you why you can’t count Fred out,” Boldon said. “There’s not a lot of people who would have said Fred was going to medal in Paris. But he did. It’s because Fred knows how to get it done.”
Boldon, who himself is a legend of the track, praised Kerley’s competitive spirit, remarking that his passion for the sport and his drive to succeed are unmatched. While he may not always be the favorite heading into a race, Kerley has repeatedly proven that he can defy expectations and deliver results.
As Kerley works through his personal challenges and prepares for future competitions, Boldon wished him all the best. He expressed hope that the sprinter would find peace off the track and continue to chase his goals on it.
“Fred has a lot of heart, and even when things seem tough, he doesn’t give up,” Boldon said. “I believe he’ll keep finding ways to come back, stronger than before.”
With Boldon’s endorsement and his own proven track record, it’s clear that Fred Kerley’s potential for success in both the Tokyo and LA 2028 Olympics remains a strong possibility. Despite the turbulence in his personal life, his drive, ability, and determination on the track will likely keep him in the hunt for more global medals in the years to come.
