The hurdling sensation, a former World Junior Champion and current holder of the NCAA Indoor 400m record, owns the fastest time in the world over the hurdles this year at 47.91 secs. 

With a personal best 47.24 secs and the current IAAF Number One ranking in the 400m hurdles, Kerron is known for always showing up for the big races. Yet he’s not all about track; his interest extends beyond that, to music videos and the fashion runway.

He remembers that as a kid he was unaware of the benefits of track and that he loved to run. “I would chase my older brother all over as he was faster than I was, and I was determined to beat him someday,” recalls Kerron, 24, the youngest of four siblings (an older brother and two older sisters). “In Trinidad [T&T], I had a typical childhood. I would hang out with my friends and I played cricket and soccer.”

In December 1998, Clement moved to the US at age 13, became a US citizen in June 2004 and the following month won the gold in the 400m hurdles at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Grosseto Italy in record time of 48.51 secs. He also ran a leg on the US 4x400m relay team, which set a world junior record of 3:01.09.

He lived in Texas for four years, Florida for five and now resides in Los Angeles. “I started running high school track and I was not as dedicated but I loved to run,” he said. “As the years went by I began to improve and get better.  I was not familiar with CARIFTA and I did not have a sense of track history. In high school I also did cross country.”

Why US, Not T&T
 
Clement went on to the University of Florida, decided to run track there and soon began to do well under the coaching of Michael Holloway. “In my freshman year I was introduced to the hurdles. I also ran the 400m to help me with my 400m hurdles.  At University of Florida, I excelled at both the 400m and the 400m hurdles,” he explained.

Reflections on Beijing, Berlin

“After winning the World Championships gold in the 400m hurdles (47.61 secs) in Osaka in 2007, I was ready for Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, but I had to settle for silver behind Angelo Taylor…not to take anything from Taylor, but I fell back into some old habits that cost me the gold. I just didn’t run and execute the race that I am capable of running [and] you cannot underestimate your opponents.”

Clement, however, was more motivated for Berlin and used Beijing as a learning experience. His attitude going into the 2009 World Championships in Berlin was: “Stay out of my way.” He was motivated and determined to take down anyone who crossed his path. He continues to make no apologies for his domination on track and is prepared to unleash more of his venom on his rivals in the upcoming season.

“I have always been a championship runner since my college days; I always show up for the big races,” he pointed out.  “A lot of people always count me out and are surprised when I perform on the biggest stages. But [in] all races that I run, I am positioning and preparing myself for the big races. When competing, I focus on myself.”

Kerron The Model

When not competing, the 6’2”-184lbs Clement models on the side and, in fact, is booked for a fashion show next year. “I like modeling because it offers me something different off the track. In addition, I do it because it’s fun and a nice stress reliever. Life after track will definitely include modeling...I know I have the potential to make a lot of money modeling.”

Kerron has appeared in Michelle Williams’ (formerly of Destiny Child) music video The Greatest. “I had a lot of fun doing that video and that was shot just after the Beijing Olympics”  

Currently, Clement is doing some 200m work just to improve strength and speed. His goal for next season, he said, is to be undefeated in the 400m hurdles and to keep his Number One world ranking spot. “In the meantime, I will work on mastering my craft and continue to improve my time. Since there are no major championships next year [2010], I will participate in the latter part of the indoor season and I will be doing the Diamond League. I will be ready for the 2012 Olympics in London. I want that Olympic 400m hurdles gold medal.”

With a personal best 47.24 secs in the 400m hurdles in 2005, does Kerron intend to challenge the 46.78 secs hurdles world record held by USA’s Kevin Young?  “Records are meant to be broken and with time and dedication, and as I mature as a hurdler and fine-tune my craft I will challenge for that record. I am still young and I have a long way to go, but I have to stay focused and that record will be mine.”

And if Kerron’s attitude conveys borderline cockiness, it’s just that he’s being propelled by his creed and deep-rooted desire to be the best. He believes that “champions don’t talk, they perform” and insists that he’s humble-natured. One thing is quite evident though, this silent assassin on the track may appear simple but he has the heart of a lion.  

How Does He relax?

The spiritual champion’s only pre-race ritual is to pray and asked God to strengthen him. On the entertainment side of things, he loves R&B (Rhythm & Blues) and enjoys Mariah Carey’s music and Chris Brown’s new CD “Graffiti”. Kerron also listens to gospel music, reggae and parang, the music that characterizes the Christmas season of T&T but has its roots in Venezuela. He also enjoys the movies, clubbing and hanging out with friends.

With no track & field role model in his head, the Caribbean-American athlete picks Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods as the famous people he would “love to hang with.”