How I Built a Business Empire While Competing Globally | Fred Kerley DSH #1326

Summary

Digital Social Hour: How I Built a Business Empire While Competing Globally | Fred Kerley DSH #1326

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Fred Kerley
Release Date: April 14, 2025

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In the latest episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with renowned track and field athlete Fred Kerley to delve into his journey of building a business empire while competing on the global stage. The conversation traverses Fred's rigorous training routines, his transition from the 400 meters to the 100 meters, Olympic experiences, business ventures, and his perspectives on the athletics industry.

1. Seasonality and Year-Round Training

Fred Kerley begins by discussing the demanding nature of his sport, emphasizing that track and field is a year-round commitment. "Our season really year-round, believe it or not," Fred mentions at [01:01], highlighting the continuous cycle of training and competing across different countries with varying season schedules.

Key Points:

• Preseason Preparations: Fred describes the preseason as a period for body tuning and preparing for championship seasons. "Our season really starts into championship season," he explains at [00:50].
• Burnout and Recovery: Addressing burnout, Fred reflects on the 2022-2023 period as particularly draining due to extensive travel. "Traveling takes a toll on your body," he notes at [01:36], underscoring the importance of a strong support team for recovery.

2. The Mental and Physical Challenges of Track

Fred underscores that track is one of the most mentally demanding sports. "Track is definitely one most mental sport because it's all about patience," he states at [02:31]. He elaborates on how mental resilience is crucial, especially when competing against other fast athletes.

Key Points:

• Mental Game: Success in track requires not just physical speed but also strategic mental preparation.
• Physical Strain: Continuous training and frequent competitions can lead to significant physical wear and tear, making recovery essential.

3. Transitioning from 400 Meters to 100 Meters

One of the most insightful parts of the conversation revolves around Fred's transition from the 400 meters to the 100 meters. He candidly discusses the difficulties and adjustments required for such a shift.

Notable Quotes:

• "The transition from the 400 to 100 was definitely much harder than I expected," Fred confesses at [05:07].
• Discussing the strategic differences, he says, "You can't go out too fast, can't go out too slow. You gotta have a medium in that," at [04:44].

Key Points:

• Training Adjustments: Moving to the 100 meters demanded a different training regimen focused more on speed and explosiveness.
• Race Strategy: Unlike the 400 meters, where pacing is crucial, the 100 meters requires impeccable start techniques and the ability to maintain top speed.

4. Olympic Experiences and Memorable Races

Fred reflects on his Olympic journey, particularly the 2020 Tokyo Games, where he secured a silver medal in the 100 meters. He expresses mixed feelings about the race, indicating a desire to redo it for personal satisfaction despite the achievement.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's the one race I want to redo," Fred admits at [16:53].
• Regarding his mindset during the race, he remarks, "It's all or nothing," at [15:07].

Key Points:

• Unexpected Success: Switching to the 100 meters shortly before the trials led to an unexpected and profound success in the Olympic finals.
• Emotional Impact: The race holds significant emotional weight for Fred, representing both his capabilities and the pressures of competing at the highest level.

5. Future Plans: Looking Towards 2028

Discussing his aspirations, Fred shares his excitement for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will be held in his home country. He contemplates focusing solely on the 100 meters but remains open to the possibility of competing in the 200 meters or even returning to the 400 meters.

Notable Quotes:

• "2028, I'm going to do it at home too," Fred enthuses at [19:36].
• "That's going to be definitely going to be a Title because it's home territory," he adds at [19:36].

Key Points:

• Motivation: Competing on home soil provides an additional layer of motivation and support.
• Career Longevity: Fred aims to continue pushing his limits, with plans to possibly expand his event repertoire.

6. Building a Business Empire and Financial Savvy

Beyond athletics, Fred has cultivated a successful business portfolio, grounded in his academic background with a business degree. He owns barber shops, land, and other ventures, emphasizing financial education and investment.

Notable Quotes:

• "I definitely like a business mind because everybody around me, business, my people," Fred states at [20:36].
• On financial planning, he advises, "Once you know the value of a dollar, you can go a long way," at [21:05].

Key Points:

• Diversification: Fred has strategically diversified his investments to secure financial stability beyond his athletic career.
• Educational Outreach: He is passionate about teaching youth the value of money and financial responsibility.

7. Athlete Relationships and Rivalries

The conversation touches on the dynamics between athletes, particularly the longstanding rivalry between the USA and Jamaica in sprinting. Fred shares his views on competitiveness, mentorship, and camaraderie within the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• "I don't beef with nobody. Like my competitiveness is. I hate everybody. But once we get outside the track, it's just one," Fred clarifies at [10:03].
• On rivalries, he observes, "USA is just taking over," at [11:24], suggesting a shift in competitive landscapes.

Key Points:

• Sportsmanship: Despite intense competition on the track, Fred emphasizes amicable relationships off the field.
• Mentorship: He acknowledges the influence of seasoned athletes as mentors, aiding his transition to shorter sprints.

8. The Economics of Track and Field

Fred provides an eye-opening perspective on the financial aspects of being a track athlete. He discusses prize money, sponsorships, and the often underestimated costs associated with training and competing.

Notable Quotes:

• "They make a lot of money off of billions, but we don't get nothing from Olympic Games," Fred points out at [28:43].
• On endorsements, he explains, "Sprinters... sell spikes. We sell the shoes," at [14:02].

Key Points:

• Prize Money vs. Sponsorships: While prize money exists, substantial earnings often come from sponsorship deals and endorsements.
• Financial Challenges: The high costs of training, travel, and living expenses necessitate careful financial planning for athletes.

9. Perspectives on Track and Field Media Coverage

Fred advocates for increased media attention on track and field beyond the Olympic spotlight. He believes that broader coverage can enhance the sport's visibility and appreciation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Mainstream media should cover track more," Fred asserts at [30:56].
• "Every athlete from United States to Europe to Africa to Asia... it's definitely lit," he adds at [31:55].

Key Points:

• Cultural Diversity: Fred highlights the rich cultural backgrounds of athletes, which media can leverage to tell more compelling stories.
• Global Reach: Increased coverage can help showcase the sport's global appeal and the diverse talents within it.

10. Personal Interests and Global Travels

Fred shares his love for traveling, particularly for experiencing diverse cuisines. His global experiences have not only enriched his personal life but also expanded his fan base across continents.

Notable Quotes:

• "Food is probably one of the biggest things I'd go travel for," Fred mentions at [32:43].
• "If you can't with the food and the country, the trip could be pointless because you're going to be starving all day," he advises at [33:25].

Key Points:

• Culinary Adventures: Trying different foods is a significant motivator for Fred's travels.
• Fan Engagement: His international fan base supports his activities worldwide, enhancing his global presence.

11. Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Wrapping up the conversation, Fred outlines his future plans, including upcoming meets and his aspirations post-retirement. He expresses a desire to engage more with the media and mentor the youth, leveraging his business acumen and athletic experience.

Notable Quotes:

• "I definitely want to get into the media, but I definitely want to branch out to the youth too," Fred states at [20:11].
• "If you can't be yourself, why do something that you love doing?" he questions at [10:31].

Key Points:

• Legacy Building: Fred is focused on leaving a lasting impact both in sports and in his business ventures.
• Mentorship and Education: Empowering the next generation through financial education remains a priority.

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Notable Quotes Compilation:

• Fred Kerley at [02:31]: "Track is definitely one most mental sport because it's all about patience."
• Fred Kerley at [05:07]: "The transition from the 400 to 100 was definitely much harder than I expected."
• Fred Kerley at [15:07]: "It's all or nothing."
• Fred Kerley at [16:53]: "It's the one race I want to redo."
• Fred Kerley at [20:36]: "I definitely like a business mind because everybody around me, business, my people."
• Fred Kerley at [28:43]: "They make a lot of money off of billions, but we don't get nothing from Olympic Games."
• Fred Kerley at [30:56]: "Mainstream media should cover track more."

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Connect with Fred Kerley:

• Next Meet: Miami Grand Slam and a relay meet in Gainesville next week.
• Social Media: [Links to Fred's social profiles would be provided here.]

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Fred Kerley's candid insights offer a comprehensive look into the life of a world-class athlete balancing competitive excellence with entrepreneurial success. His experiences underscore the importance of mental fortitude, strategic transitions, and financial literacy in achieving sustained success both on and off the track.

Transcript

[A]

Get paid. So when I made it to the finals, I was like, it's all or nothing. But I feel like even when I read. Read your question, that's probably was the most race I want to redo back.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. All our races. That's the one.

[B]

Damn. You got second though. It was pretty good.

[A]

That's. That's the one on all my races. I don't feel no type of way about that.

[B]

All right, guys. Got Fred here out in Vegas, a rare city for him to attend. Thanks for coming on, man.

[A]

Appreciate it.

[B]

Yeah, you got a fun night tonight, right?

[A]

A nice little fun night tonight.

[B]

You're in season right now too.

[A]

Definitely in season. The start of the season. So we will call this like relay season, preseason. So our, our season will really start into championship season. Championship season for us. It started whenever we get past usas.

[B]

So you're just warming up right now?

[A]

I just. Preseason. He's getting body. Getting the body tune and stuff for the big show.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Season.

[B]

And you guys have a long season like compared to most athletes. Right. You're running.

[A]

So our, our season really year round, believe it or not. Because you got some countries starting different seasons. Some countries start in October, some countries it's just. Track is just a year round sport. So you got to keep your body in tune year round.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Have you ever had some burnout?

[A]

Of course. I feel like one burnout season probably was 20, 23, 2022 after I got done. Just like usually get drained of traveling and all that.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because traveling takes a toll on your body.

[A]

Like track. We travel weekend and we go and I feel like the outside world don't understand that. That it's a blessing to travel though too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it's also wear and tear on your body also.

[B]

100%. Whenever I fly somewhere, I have a runny nose. I get sick.

[A]

Yeah. If you don't got the right team around you, I feel sorry for you. Or like for like the massage therapists and coaches and stuff. Because you got to get back into the flow of things. Yeah.

[B]

I had Lashawn Merit on a few months ago and he was talking to me about that. He has a chiropractor fly with him everywhere.

[A]

You got to have that. Because track and field take a toll on your body and stuff. You can perform a meet good and then the following week you're not performing. So you got to understand that you don't have the ups and down and stuff because you got to get your body rejuvenated into the time zone. You in yeah, stuff like that.

[B]

I think tracks one of the most mental sports to death.

[A]

I feel like track is definitely one most mental sport is because it's all about patience. Like if you don't got the mental game, you really don't got nothing. Track and field. Because we all know we can run fast.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So running fast is like the easy part is all just things on the outside of stuff that a lot of people don't understand that going to the track and field.

[B]

Is there a lot of politics involved with how the races operate?

[A]

There's a lot of politics like which lane you get. If you got the best agent.

[B]

How does the agent matter?

[A]

You got a good agent. I can tell my agent I don't want this other person in the race. Damn.

[B]

I didn't know that.

[A]

This is like the small little things that go into the thing. Or I don't want this person next to me. Put them in the outside lane. I want somebody slower on the side of me for it can make me look good and stuff. Just like the small things that a lot of outside people don't understand. Man.

[B]

Has that happened to you where someone didn't want you part of the race? You found out.

[A]

Of course. Of course. Especially my 400 days.

[C]

Oh yeah.

[A]

100 days, not so much. Because it's just like the competitiveness in the 100 guys. Definitely in my 400 days I had people that ain't want me next to them.

[B]

I wonder. Wonder why there's such a difference with the 400 and 100 different mentality.

[A]

Maybe I feel like the 400, whoever. Whoever got the biggest balls. Whoever got the biggest balls. And then the hunter is just like macho and macho. Either you got it or you don't. The 400 is the same way. But you got to have the biggest balls in the 400 just to step in the 400. It's like all out sprint.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And whoever can decelerate the fastest. I mean the slowest in the 400, that's the person who won't win. Right.

[B]

They say 400 is the toughest race in track and field.

[A]

Right. I will say yay and nay. Because if you ain't training for it, you just think you couldn't just have the endurance to outrun somebody. I could tell you you're wrong. But you got to have the speed and endurance at the same time. Like if you don't got both of them, you shit out of luck. Right.

[B]

Because you need to finish strong to win.

[A]

Like I feel like you got to conserve a lot of energy or be on point. You can't go out too fast, can't go out too slow. Right. Because you go out too slow, you're not catching up. If you go out too fast, you're gonna die. So you gotta have a medium in that.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I remember a lot of people questioned why you transitioned from the 400 to the 100.

[A]

Right. I feel like people still asking me to right now because I don't think people understand how easy and hard it was to transfer Translate from the 400 to 100. The 400 to the 100. It's definitely hard. Like definitely my first year. Even though I did stuff that people took a lifetime to do, it's definitely hard to do because you gotta race fast every day. Training different. Like speed hurt.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Like even though the 400 Hz speed actually hurt. I remember some training sessions and stuff. I'm like. Or they go back to the 400 because like you running so fast, but you tax on your body so much that people don't understand how much speed athlete do hurt.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You gotta recover from that. Some days you don't get to recover. You gotta go fly on the weekend. So speed definitely hurt. But my transition from the 400 to 100 was definitely much easier than I expected because I'd end up meddling my first year out.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But the following year I had to get like grounded and understand from like the training stuff, the phases of the 100 meters. And I felt like it was definitely harder in 2022 and 2023. I'm still learning because can't. You can't do what you. I did in the 400 where you can just like it's all out racing 100, like from the finish to the get go. Like in the 400, you can, you got phases where you can Critique. In the 400 you can't critique, critique nothing. Fast and 100. Right. Once somebody gone, they gone.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

It's hardly. You can't catch the nine, just like you can't catch a 43. And if you run 43, like, and 100 is just so like this, the 400, you still got a whole lap to fish some things and stuff. It's just like that. Yeah.

[B]

You get a bad start, you're done.

[A]

Yeah, you got a bad start, you're done. So the 100 definitely is more crucial to understand. But if you got it, you got it.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So I had to, God, give me talent to go from the 400 to the 100 meters. Yeah.

[B]

The more strategy involved in the 400. Right.

[A]

There's a lot of more strategy involved in the 400, so I feel like training is definitely is the biggest part because I. I only. What I'm glad about my transition from the 400 to 100 was all right. Put the work in. So the 100 was definitely much easier for my body. But it's also more taxing. You definitely got to do more things that you ain't do again more. Get the strength, build your muscles up like that 400. You ain't necessarily had to do all the things and stuff I did, but you definitely got to do way more in 100 meters. The small things matter the most and people don't understand that.

[B]

That makes sense. Do you feel like you're still getting faster right now?

[A]

I feel like I'm still getting faster and still learning. It's just like I'm still like at the beginning stage of my 100 career.

[C]

Really.

[A]

So just like, yeah. I ran seven more medals at the Olympics been world championship. So I'm still young. Like my body having never hit the peak yet. So it's just like I'm still learning. So I feel like that's one of the most dangerous game, I would say. Yeah, I'm still learning my body in the hundred. Yeah. You want to go do this fast, but the training session don't tell me to go run this this weekend. So we're building up the season and stuff. I feel like I'm still young, I'm still learning. So that's the. That's the most dangerous thing with at least still learning how to run fast.

[B]

And USA has a lot of fast 100 meter runners. Do you have like a mentor just that you can hit up whenever you want?

[A]

I feel like my mentor is all the OGs, not only from USA, just from all over the country that came before me. I feel like it's much easier now that I'm in the position to get to reach out to them anytime I want to. That I'm in the position to run fast, to understand the small things, how to transition through the phases and all that stuff. So it's much easier now that I would say than I was in my 400 days. And because the 400 days is like you're by yourself. Yes. This is like I'm just out there. Just how you do this, how you got faster than this. It's just like some 400 guys ain't want to give you the secret. But the hundred guys, I feel like it's more relaxing than 400 guys.

[B]

I could See that? Wow, that's interesting. Yeah, there's some, some legends doing podcasts now from the 100 meter guy like Justin Gatlin.

[A]

I went on a podcast in September.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. I was on his podcast. It's definitely good. In New York it was more much chilling locker room, just kind of ivy.

[B]

Were you, were you getting along when you were both active runners?

[A]

I got along with everybody.

[C]

Oh yeah.

[A]

I don't beef with nobody. Like my competitiveness is. I hate everybody. But once we get outside the track and stuff, we all friends. If you take my competitiveness away from me, I think you are, I think you're wrong. So once I leave the track, it's just one the pie. The most chill person you can be around.

[B]

Do you think track needs more competitiveness with like talking and stuff?

[A]

I feel like yes. I feel like a lot of people soft.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

In track and field because they just think how you best to say this. I think a lot of people belittle them on. They belittle their own self because they worry about what people are going to say. But if you in your zone, be in your zone, don't change yourself because somebody else watching.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

People want to see that. People want to see your be yourself around a lot of brands and stuff like things like that. So if you can't be yourself, why, why do something that you love doing?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I think Noah and Shakari are good for the sport, man.

[A]

Yeah, they definitely go for the sport and I think I, I love it. But if you can't talk your stuff, why be a part of it?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So they talk their stuff, they back it up. Absolutely. So it's the same thing with me. I talk myself, I back it up.

[B]

Is there still a big rivalry with USA and Jamaica?

[A]

I feel like it's there but I feel like it died now because USA is just taking over. Right. So it's like we all competitive but I feel like it's just dying now a little bit. But it's always going to be there for life. That's just the nature of the rivalry. But I feel like it me my dying down a little bit.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Which sprinting record do you think is the most breakable at the moment? 100 meter, 200, 400.

[A]

I feel like all of them breakable. Just be truthful. I feel like every record in a record but is breakable. You just got to do a small thing. Right. We all know we can run fast. It's just small things that matter. Yeah. How you can stand up tall if you're doing the right stuff in the gym. Your core. Small things matter, Patient matter. Because you get up too fast, you can lose a decimal of a second. You. You. You get out of your drive phase too fast. You got your blocks too wrong. Just small details that matter and track and feel that the outside world think, oh, he got like that. No. You know, you can run fast, but the small. The small. Small details matter.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

When Gatlin came on, I asked if they should change the false start rule, and he said, yeah. What do you think about that?

[A]

I feel like, yay. Nay. You should not fall start. She listened to the gun.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But I feel like everybody deserve a second chance. Just don't do it again.

[B]

Has that happened to you? False start.

[A]

I'll start. No.

[B]

Oh, gosh, you're good.

[A]

I never fall start. I like that. I know of. I never fall start.

[B]

That's impressive.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Because I feel like that's happened a lot of sprinters.

[A]

Right. I feel like the people that fall start, they don't want to be in the race, so they already got paid. So they don't want to be in the race or they got injured or something. Are they dealing with some things at the time and stuff? And the coach probably tell them, do this and. Or you can get into the next meet.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, so they get paid without even raising.

[A]

People get appearance fees. So people show up for appearance stuff, but if you don't finish the race, you ain't getting the prize money.

[B]

Yeah, that makes sense, because you got to win to make the serious money, though, right?

[A]

Win. Yay. And they. You just got to finish the race. Get some type of money if you finish the race.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Do sprinters make more or the distance runners, like the marathon runners?

[A]

If I go to one? It depends on what you're saying. You talk about prize money, I guess, overall, like.

[B]

Like on a yearly basis, like, who's making more?

[A]

I think the sprinters. But who bring in the most money, the distant runners. Because they sell the shoes. We ain't selling spikes. They sell the shoes. Like, people go to the marathons and see what sneakers and stuff they wear.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

The US Sprinters, don't. We. We. We sell spikes. You ain't walking around with spikes. So, like, the dis around is actually sell the. The brand.

[B]

That makes sense.

[A]

They sell the. The spikes. I mean, the tennis shoes, all the marathon shoes. They sell the shoes.

[B]

They probably got some big shoe deals.

[A]

Yeah, they probably got. I. I don't. I never been in that position, so I don't know. But I know for a fact that nobody walk around in spites besides the to track at least the distance runners sell the brand.

[B]

Do you have a deal with a spike company?

[A]

No, I'm a free agent. Right.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I feel like that'd be a no brainer for a spike company.

[A]

Like right now. Yeah. But I'm dealing with some personal stuff. But at the end it's always going to be a brighter day. So I can't complain about that.

[B]

I love that. I want to talk about the olympic races. So 2020 silver medalist. What was the mindset going into that race?

[A]

I think that's probably out of all races. 2020, probably my most felt race. Like that's where my heart will probably beating the most. Wow. Because it was in uncharted territory. First year doing 100 made it to the Olympic final.

[B]

So did you expect that I always.

[A]

Been in the top. Yeah. You get what I'm saying. So it's just like for that year the 100 meters were not and the blueprint, those are 400 meters. Right. So going in that year 404, I was a 400 guy and the 400 was my blessing out of school. So 2020 was probably a different year as a whole. Me getting to know myself to it. A week before trials I decided to call my agent and say I'm not doing the 400 no more and I'm going to go do the hundred me. So. But I know when I get into the groove of things, the groove of things and everything start clicking, clicking. I said oh, this about be a piece of cake. But it was also pressure on me because no one knew what I was thinking at the time. But I knew what I was thinking. Gotta get paid. So when I made it to the finals I was like it's all or nothing. But I felt like even when I read your question that's probably was the most race I want to redo back.

[C]

Really?

[A]

Yes. All races. That's the one. Damn.

[B]

You got second though. It's pretty good.

[A]

That's. That's the one on all my races. Even 2024, I don't feel no type of way about that. But 2021, I feel like probably the most like I need to redo that one back.

[B]

You thought you could have won that one?

[A]

Yes.

[C]

How?

[B]

How the difference with first and second.

[A]

The same thing like the last one.

[C]

Oh yeah. Yes.

[A]

Just a head shot away.

[B]

Damn, I must hurt.

[A]

So just like that one, probably the most I would say I want to redo over because I know what I was capable of doing and for that race. So it's just like it was uncharted territory for me. And people that was in that race was probably went to more games than me, been more 100 meter final than me. But I did that. What I did in 2021. No one in mankind never did that.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

You had to switch the same year to make the finals.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

That's insane.

[A]

So it's just like that one. I hurt me the most out of any races I ever race.

[B]

Damn.

[A]

College, high school. That's the one that's crazy because you're.

[B]

Still a silver medalist and it hurt you.

[A]

That's. That. That's the one that if I want to re line that one up, same atmosphere, nobody understands. Like the same pandemic happened. That's the one I want to redo.

[B]

Oh yeah, that was Covid.

[A]

That's. That's the one I want to redo over again.

[B]

Do you think you race better in those conditions with no audience?

[A]

I race better in any condition. Like I feel like as me, you really don't see no crowd. It's just like you hear the voices that you want to hear. It can be billions of people. Understand. You got your coach and whoever else you want to listen to.

[B]

You're locked in.

[A]

Yeah, you locked in. Like you don't really see your competitor. It's just like a white sheet. Like you don't see nobody. And once you get up, probably like 5 to 10 meters go. You see the tennis line and then we look up at the clock and then you start realizing, oh, it was a crowd in here. So you. I definitely don't really see nobody in the standards when I be racing. It just. I just black out and just see the gun.

[B]

That's crazy because it's loud.

[A]

It'd be loud, but you don't be hearing it. Your heart just beating, beating fast. And just a white sheet just around the whole stadium when I be right in.

[B]

Damn, that's crazy. And then 24 getting bronze. So you're. You said you're fine with that.

[A]

Yeah, I feel like I was fine with that one. But Brian, that year feel like a gold medal to me with all the stuff I was dealing with. But I don't take that race back. It's just a learning experience for that. That race. But 2021 probably the one I want back the most. Yeah, I had to redo anything. Any race over again had to be 20, 21 1.

[B]

You excited for 28.

[A]

That's going to be definitely going to be a Title because it's home territory. LA 2022. I did it at home. 2028. I'm going to do it at home too.

[B]

You're doing 100 only or are you going to do 200?

[A]

The 100, 200. Maybe me and my coach think about the 400. But, but I just, just need to take, I mean complete my, my, my case. Silver Browns. Go. I'll be good.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Riding to the sunset after that.

[A]

Right into the sunset. That probably be my last one. And time to get to the real money.

[B]

Yeah. What you plan on doing after this?

[C]

You don't know yet.

[B]

Definitely get in the media, man. You know, a lot of knowledge you could share.

[A]

I definitely want to get into the media, but I definitely want to branch out to the youth though too. To teach them the value of a dollar. Because a lot of kids don't know the value of a dollar. And if I can do that, that would be a blessing to. I feel that probably bring me more joy than me doing a lot of other. Wow.

[B]

I didn't know you had that business side of you. What, what got you into that stuff?

[A]

I got a business degree.

[C]

Oh yeah.

[A]

So I got barber shops, I got land. I got a lot of stuff that God been blessing me with. So I can't complain about that. But I definitely like a business mind because everybody around me, business, my people. I feel like the best thing that ever happened to me when I left school was go to Arizona and it was a bunch of business mind people around me.

[B]

That's good, man. Cause a lot of athletes unfortunately go broke afterwards.

[A]

Yeah. Because a lot of people don't know the value of a dollar.

[C]

Right.

[A]

But I feel like once you know the value of a dollar, you can go a long way. How to do the investment and how to do the stock market. But the stock market just like real life gambling, especially right now. So I feel like a lot of people don't understand how you put your. You can put money in stocks and bonds. That's still a form of gambling. But that's a form of. How you say that?

[B]

Safer.

[A]

I guess it can be safer. Yay. But it can't be safer right now because the thing is going. So it just like feel like the stock market, just a bigger form of gambling. But it's slow. Like you can slow pace and so you can go to a casino right here in Vegas and lose that. Right.

[B]

Dude, the market right now is looking shaky. Are you nervous?

[A]

No.

[B]

You're not nervous?

[A]

You always put money away for a rainy day.

[B]

Yeah, I gotta have a rainy day fund.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Stocks and crypto are getting wrecked right now.

[A]

Yes, I see it because my on my phone like every morning and see how the stock go, but it definitely up and down at the moment.

[B]

Yeah, that's cool man. It's cool that you're thinking long term.

[A]

Like that always because I feel like the right now. Always take care of yourself because if you think about the right now, you're in the right now. You, you, you losing stuff. You got to think about the future. Always.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

I think a lot of athletes are so in the present. Well they kind of have to be right focused. But then they retire and they lose sense of purpose and meaning because I.

[A]

Feel like a lot of people spend, spend, spend right now but they don't understand it's life outside. And once you get done with your sport or whatever career you in can spend a million dollars. Make sure you, if you spend a million dollars, make sure you can go somewhere and get $2 million right back.

[C]

Right.

[B]

Originally you wanted to be an NFL player, right?

[A]

Yeah, I originally wanted to be an NFL player because that's what I feel like. That's what my ticket out of my surroundings until I broke my collarbone. Broke my collarbone. I had to sit out for probably a couple of months. But we're still like. It's still like you can still see the little nap and geez like right now. But football I thought was my ticket out but God had other plans. So I end up walking on to run track ass out planes and then get a scholarship to A and M.

[B]

So you started late running?

[A]

It's not necessarily. I always ran. Not took it seriously. So every year we take like six weeks in school. School, like middle school, high school, six weeks during that time frame to get right. But during that six week time frame we getting ready for 7 on 7, 5 on 5 in the summertime for basketball and then go to weight training for two days and things like that.

[B]

NFL is a tough one, man with injuries.

[A]

Yeah. So I glad I chewed that over it.

[B]

Yeah. Because now if you get injured, you can come back as a runner. Right.

[A]

So I feel like you can. But track and feel is just a different beast that people don't understand. If I would took the football route, definitely won't be running because you gain a lot more muscle. Like yay. Sprinter is like you gotta get power. If you got like. I feel like some football players don't understand this difference between that we actually do this year around like y'all do football year Round. You're just not gonna. Just hop on something and just think you're gonna beat us. You probably can't even be the. The women of our sport.

[B]

You think Tyree Kill could beat Shakari Richard?

[A]

No.

[B]

Really fast.

[A]

I see him, but she's fast, too. Yeah, you got. I feel like a lot of people disrespect the great. She was one of the greats in our time frame right now, so I don't think he'd be here in a 40 meter, so.

[B]

Or 100 meters.

[A]

100 meters, okay.

[B]

Yeah. Hunter 40. He might put up that.

[A]

I'd be close, but I still think she's with Dog them.

[B]

I show speed. Called her out. Did you see that?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

He's faster than people think, though.

[A]

He definitely faster than people. He's still young, and so to him, I just got to see him, like, I don't know his background or nothing, so I don't. Nobody definitely know Tyreek.

[B]

He raced Noah Lyles.

[A]

Oh, I saw that.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But I don't think Noah was trying.

[A]

No, Noah's playing around, so you can't even put that together. Yeah, like that. So I feel like a play. Play. I can play with people all day, let them win and stuff and get. Let them get a little thing and things like that. But you put somebody online, it's a different story.

[C]

Yeah, I would.

[B]

You and Noah been getting along lately?

[A]

Like, I don't talk to him.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So it's just, like, neat. Like, I don't really talk to a lot of track athletes.

[B]

Really. You got to stay in your own.

[A]

It's not even about staying out in my own. It's only just, like, most of us not around each other. Like, we live in different states, different countries and stuff, so different cities. So I definitely don't talk to a lot of track. At least, like, people say I talk to them more at the track meet then away from the track meet. Oh, that's interesting. I don't. I. I don't think it's insertion. It's just it. That's how to take.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I feel like we really don't talk to a lot of, like, us track athletes. Probably just stay in the surroundings and stuff is, like, who we grew up with or who we went to school with. That's probably who we talk to the most.

[B]

Yeah, I think it's a very individual sport. What about during the Olympics when you're traveling with everyone? Are you. Are you talking to them then, like, for the relay teams and everything?

[A]

Oh, really? It's like, when we go to training. That's probably the most. We probably talk to people. And then once we get back to the village, we buy separate. Separate ways. That's interesting. So you guys got to get that.

[B]

That bond, you know, so you don't drop the baton.

[A]

I. I get it, but I don't get it because once we leave the village, it's like we still go into our own little world. Yeah, we bond for the relay, but track still an individual success. Just like when you go get that gold medal, looking at the second place, guy ain't looking at the third place. I didn't look at Noah in the final. He looking at one person like, you're our relay party can go in, go such and such. Nobody really care about the relay besides the country itself.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And we ain't. We don't get no money or nothing for that. Oh, really? No. Oh.

[B]

I thought when you win a medal, you get money.

[A]

Not really. Damn. Like 37k. I ain't doing nothing. Yeah.

[B]

After taxes and cash, that's 15k.

[A]

So like you got to understand that part. Yeah.

[B]

You're spending more on that, on training.

[A]

And so you gotta like, please like our like meets and stuff and the endorsement pay for that. So we basically travel for free. Okay. But if we didn't get all that stuff, our country not paying us. So it's just like it's a doggy dog world outside. So you gotta hustle no matter what.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

There's not a lot of money at the Olympics.

[A]

There's no money at the Olympics. $0.

[B]

That's crazy. They're the best athlete in the world.

[A]

Yeah. We don't get nothing. No athlete get money from the Olympic Games.

[B]

That's so crazy because they make a lot of money off of billions.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But we don't get no money from Olympic Games.

[B]

You think that should change?

[A]

Definitely should change. Because a lot of not only my country, but a lot of other other country countries that less fortunate in usa.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Luckily I'm part of the best country in the world. Usa to get all the benefits to give our own shelves and stuff like that. In the Olympic Village. We got on USA probably the the best country when it hands down, when it come to the gangs code, we our own bubble. So we got the best of the best. So without that, a lot of other countries don't get the ACs, get the bands and stuff like we do. So I'm definitely probably say. You say probably one of the best country when it comes to Olympic Games. That makes sense.

[B]

Would you Trade one of your Olympic medals for a million dollars.

[A]

No. Really?

[B]

That's a lot of money.

[A]

There's a lot of money but I don't think it's worth it. Damn. Like why would I trade something I work hard for? I should give me the million dollar plus the metal. But I would never trade none of my medals for no million dollar is it's that million dollar would be worthless. Yeah.

[B]

Because it's a symbol of all your dedication and hard work.

[A]

Right. I probably put more money than into that metal than a million dollars. Yeah.

[B]

That's true.

[A]

Million dollars is not not worth it.

[B]

The top athletes spend six seven figures a year on their bodies, right?

[C]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

LeBron James.

[A]

Yeah. So a million dollar definitely not worth I definitely metal because I'm thinking I worked a lifetime since I was a a youth for that medal.

[C]

Right.

[A]

So why would I trade that metal in for a million dollars?

[B]

How common is is cheating? Like have you raced against people that were using substances before?

[A]

Not that I know of. But is hey what always come to light. So if you caught you get caught.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I wonder how common it is because I know a lot of fighters do.

[A]

It like nine none of my racist that nobody got caught but will ever come wherever in the dark. Always come to the light.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

No matter what.

[B]

I've always karma too.

[A]

Yeah. It's always going to come to the light.

[B]

Do you think mainstream media should cover track more?

[A]

Definitely is tracking fields outside the Olympic games and if you follow the app east around you would get the better insight on life track and definitely all the other things that you think you should know. Not just about one person but about all the athletes. Because all the athletes in track and field are great outsider just their sport is real life stuff with all the other athletes. I feel like every athlete from United States to Europe to Africa to Asia to everywhere like is definitely lit and definitely different cultures and stuff that involve and track and field. And definitely you get involved with one person. I feel like you should get involved with everybody because I got friends that all countries and definitely different insight on culture eating.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And things like that. It's definitely fun to be around different athletes of a different culture.

[B]

Absolutely. You learn a lot when you travel the world.

[A]

Definitely. Definitely. Like I learn a lot. I've been to every continent.

[B]

Damn. So that's cool.

[A]

Definitely love definitely got fan base everywhere. I definitely love my fan base because I can probably go to any country. Just drop my location. Somebody can be right there.

[B]

That's cool.

[A]

Eating the best food. All that stuff from the country itself.

[B]

I gotta hear from you. What country had the best food?

[A]

I feel like the Caribbean. Africa. Uk. So. So, yeah, not really, but so so. But I feel like Kenya.

[B]

Kenya, yeah.

[A]

Kenya, Jamaica, Morocco. It's a lot of countries I've been to that definitely has some good food. You know how you used to when you. When you was kids, when grandma bring that big plate?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

They bring that big plate and you eat it. You just want more, more and more. So it definitely. Ooh. Food is probably one of the biggest thing. I'd go travel.

[B]

I love that, bro. I'm the same way.

[A]

Yeah. So the food fight horn thing I travel for, they got good food. I know it's about to be good meat.

[B]

No, 100%. When I travel, food is like top three most important things.

[A]

I think that's the top one. Besides my bed, food is definitely the top one. Yeah, you got. If you can't with the food and the country, the trip could be pointless because you going to be starving all day. Yeah, absolutely.

[B]

What do you got next, man? Where can people get in contact with you? Keep in touch.

[A]

My next meet is Miami, the next Grand Slam. Like, that's the next big one. But I got a relay meat in Gainesville next week, guys.

[B]

And I will link your social media blah, blah, on, man. Check them out, guys.

[A]

See you next time.