Driven by the love for his children, Fred Kerley sees fatherhood as his greatest purpose, using his past struggles to fuel a future of hope and stability for his family.
In the blur of chasing world records and wins, Fred Kerley does not just show up for the sake of it, he does with a purpose.
His purpose has a name, and tiny footsteps echoing behind his own and amid the roar of stadiums, fatherhood is surely his truest victory.
Fred Kerley admitted that becoming a father at 19 changed his worldview and grounded him in love, legacy, and a race far greater than any.
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In an interview on the Pivot podcast, Fred Kerley pointed out that the main reason he works hard is to provide for his children and ensure they never grow up in an environment he did.
Fred Kerley difficult childhood
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Fred Kerley’s childhood was full of hardship and trauma, following his father’s incarceration and his mother’s drug addiction.
The 2022 world champion would later be adopted by his aunt and uncle and he grew up with 12 other relatives in a single room.
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“I became a father at a young age, at 19, basically it’s just all you got to work. I know where I came from and you can’t be in the same situation forever and it’s like, ‘Oh, I can do something.’ These kids brighten my day, waking up and brightening up my day,” Fred Kerley said.
“Like 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.”
Fred Kerley on finding his purpose
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He added that having children gave him a purpose and fatherhood is something he continues to cherish amid fighting many battles.
Fred Kerley intends to make his children live a comfortable life and foster meaningful relationships with others, something he never got to experience as a child.
“I feel like that’s the most important thing, making sure they have everything because they didn’t ask to be in this world,” Fred Kerley said.
“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 has three children and as he looks to make a mark on the global stage, he is determined to ensure they grow to be even greater than him in everything they pursue.