American sprint star Fred Kerley has pledged to contest his provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for alleged whereabouts failures. The 2022 world 100m champion and Tokyo Olympic silver medallist was suspended on Tuesday after reportedly missing three anti-doping tests within a 12-month period.
In a statement, Kerley said he believes one of the alleged missed tests should be dismissed, arguing that he was either not negligent or that the Doping Control Officer failed to take “reasonable steps” to locate him at his registered address.
“Out of respect for the process, I will not be commenting further at this time. I look forward to presenting my case before the appointed hearing panel,” he said.
The suspension comes weeks after Kerley withdrew from the US Track and Field Championships in Oregon, which ruled him out of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo this September. At the time, he told fans on social media: “2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters.”
Kerley, 29, won silver in the 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and bronze in 2024, in addition to his 2022 world title.
Separately, the sprinter faces an unresolved domestic violence by strangulation charge stemming from a May 2024 incident, filed in January this year.
Written By Rodney Mbua
