Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley has officially pulled out of the 2025 US Track and Field Championships, ruling himself out of contention for this year’s World Championships set for September in Tokyo.
Kerley, 30, made the announcement on social media, citing personal challenges as the reason for his decision. “The 100m should be a straight sprint,” he wrote. “2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters.”
A two-time Olympic medalist, Kerley won silver in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics and bronze at the Paris Games last year. He claimed gold at the 2022 World Championships held at Hayward Field in Eugene, the same venue hosting this week’s US Championships, which also serve as qualifiers for Tokyo.
Kerley had shown promising form earlier this season, posting a 9.98-second finish in May. However, his campaign has been marred by off-track controversies and legal troubles.
In January, Kerley was arrested in Miami Beach after an altercation with police, during which he was tasered. He was later charged with battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. That same month, he also faced a separate charge of domestic violence by strangulation related to an incident in May 2024.
Further complicating his season, Kerley withdrew from the Grand Slam Track meet in Miami this past May following his arrest for battery.
His absence from the US Championships closes the door on a shot at the 2025 World Championships, marking a significant setback in what has been a turbulent year for one of America’s top sprinters.
Written By Rodney Mbua
