Home Latest News Rio gold medallist, Kerron Clement will bring showbiz to Nitro Athletics

Rio gold medallist, Kerron Clement will bring showbiz to Nitro Athletics

January 10, 2017

Nitro News: Olympic champion will bring showbiz to Nitro

It is not unusual for an Olympic champion to be talented in a number of areas and that’s certainly the case for Bolt All-Stars Olympic champion Kerron Clement who has made a name for himself on and off the track.

Olympic gold, Beyoncé film clips, modelling and a cameo on Young and the Restless are all part of the Clement resume.

The Rio gold medallist will join the Bolt All-Stars for Nitro Athletics Melbourne in the series that kicks off next month and will see Australia take on Usain Bolt’s All-Stars, China, England, Japan and New Zealand in a new look athletics format at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium on Saturday 4th, Thursday 9th and Saturday 11th February 2017.

Since winning his first global championship in Osaka nearly ten years ago in the 400m hurdles the 31-year-old American finally achieved the ultimate in Rio last year, claiming the 400m hurdles Olympic gold.

In his third Olympics, a second-place finish in Beijing in 2008 along with relay gold and then a special effort to make the final in London after a year of injuries made victory in Brazil in a time of 47.73 seconds all the more sweeter.

“Gold in Rio has more significance than my other gold medals at the world championships,” Clement explained.

“Not saying I don’t value and appreciate my efforts but it was something about the journey leading up to 2016 summer games.

“Having dealt with many setbacks and injuries, and having to hit the refocus button and perform at the highest level possible while being under pressure – not many athletes can handle such pressure.

“That’s why it means so much to me to win and finally add that elusive gold to my collection.”

Clement also won a second world championship 400m hurdles title in Berlin, while winning gold in the US 4x400m relay teams at those championships and in Osaka.

Unsurprisingly, the American was picked to compete for the Bolt All-Stars at the upcoming Nitro Athletics series given his exceptional running resume.

Clement will join a team that includes Bolt and Jamaican Olympic gold medallists Asafa Powell and Michael Frater along with 2008 Olympic hurdles champion Dawn Harper-Nelson from the United States.

The trio will be joined by 2008 Olympic 100m silver medallist Richard Thompson from Trinidad and Tobago, American hurdler Ryan Wilson and rising young American sprinter Jenna Prandini.

Athletically Clement is perfectly suited to be on Usain Bolt’s team as he similarly enjoys the glitz and glamour professional sport can provide nearly as much as the big Jamaican himself.

“I’m really excited to be a part of this meeting,” Clement said.

“Anything that involves being a part of a team I’m always excited about because I consider myself a team player and I like to think I can motivate my other teammates to reach their full potential.

“It’s always good to be on a team with a global superstar (Usain Bolt), and right now the face of track and field.

“I think it will give other athletes a boost to give their best. I am a versatile athlete and can run any event.”

A flick through his Instagram account will show that Clement has as much confidence in front of the camera, if not more than when he is wearing American colours on the track. And he has even appeared in a Beyoncé music video clip (1:48) and an episode of Young and the Restless.

“The Beyoncé thing is funny to me,” Clement laughed.

“I did that gig eight years ago… and to this day people still talk about it. It’s something that I love to do, being in entertainment, in whichever capacity.

“Modelling for Sean John, acting in Young and the Restless, well actually it was a small cameo – and even photographing agency models.

“I dabble in photography as well… I’m a man of many skills.”

Looking beyond Nitro Athletics the day-to-day goals for Clement remain simple and largely revolve around staying injury free so he can perform to his best at every meet.

“As always, my aim for 2017 as any other year would be to injury free, and consistently winning,” he explained.

“Being an Olympic champion, I know I will have a target on my back but I am fully aware of that and I embrace the challenge by anyone.

“With that being said, I’m looking to be world champion again. Adding a third individual gold in the hurdles, making me the only hurdler in history to ever do so.”

Kerron Clement (USA)

Age: 31

Personal Bests – 100m: 10.23; 200m: 20.49; 400m: 44.48; 110m hurdles; 13.77; 400m hurdles: 47.24s

General Admission tickets start at $24 while adult tickets will sell from just $35, ideal for large groups attending Nitro Athletics with their teammates from athletics, sports and social clubs.

A family ticket for two adults and two children start from $80 and for those wanting a five-star experience, VIP package tickets are available for $265, including the opportunity to meet a number of competing athletes.

Nitro Athletics Melbourne is supported by the Victorian Government, will be broadcast live on the Seven Network.

Fans can engage with Nitro Athletics via the event’s social channels:

Twitter: @Nitro_Aths | Facebook: NitroAthletics | Instagram: Nitro_Aths

End of Media Release