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

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.

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."

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.]

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.