Fred Kerley, the 2022 World Champion, has always been driven by a powerful purpose that goes far beyond his athletic pursuits. Amid the chase for records and victories, the most important goal in his life is to provide for his children and create a stable, loving environment that he never had growing up. Becoming a father at 19, Kerley’s life took a transformative turn, grounding him in values of love, legacy, and a mission far greater than any race or competition.
Kerley’s childhood was marked by hardship and adversity. He grew up in an environment filled with trauma, following his father’s incarceration and his mother’s struggles with drug addiction. The challenges he faced early on shaped his perspective on life, and these experiences fuel his determination to build a better future for his own children. After being adopted by his aunt and uncle, he lived with 12 other relatives in a cramped single room, and he became all too aware of how difficult life could be when there was little support and stability.
When he became a father at a young age, the responsibility that came with it gave him a new sense of purpose. At 19, Kerley’s focus shifted to ensuring that his children would never have to face the same challenges he did growing up. In an interview, Kerley shared how his experiences shaped his relentless work ethic: “I know where I came from, and you can’t be in the same situation forever. You have to do something. These kids brighten my day, waking up and brightening up my day.”
For Kerley, the primary motivation in his life is to provide for his children and ensure they have everything he never had. “I have to work, I’m not going to put my kids in the same situation I was. I’m going to make sure they have a roof over their head, and food on the table and provide for them,” he said. His commitment to his family is evident in everything he does, from his rigorous training to his focus on securing a better future for them.
Fatherhood, for Kerley, is not just about being a provider. It’s also about giving his children the love, support, and opportunities to succeed. He recognizes that his children did not ask to be born into the world, and he takes this responsibility seriously. “I feel like that’s the most important thing, making sure they have everything because they didn’t ask to be in this world,” he explained. “That’s the most important, the kids need us, we don’t need them. I want to put them in a position to win in life, have a better understanding of themselves, and have the right people around them.”
Fred Kerley’s perspective on fatherhood is a reflection of his deep sense of gratitude and his desire to break the cycle of hardship he experienced as a child. It’s about creating a legacy of love, stability, and success for his children. His ultimate goal is for his children to grow up with the resources and guidance they need to become even greater than him in whatever paths they choose to pursue.
As Kerley continues to make his mark on the global athletics stage, he remains committed to his role as a father. His dedication to his children is what drives him to push through the challenges of being an elite athlete and an individual who has come from humble beginnings. For him, fatherhood is not just a responsibility it is his greatest victory, a victory that will last far beyond any medal or record.
