Fred Kerley, the former world 100m champion and two-time Olympic medalist, has officially withdrawn from this week’s US Track and Field Championships, effectively ruling him out of the 2025 World Athletics Championships set to take place in Tokyo.
The 30-year-old sprinter made the announcement via social media, stating, “The 100m should be a straight sprint. 2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year.”
Kerley’s absence from the championship at Hayward Field in Eugene—a venue where he clinched gold in 2022—is a major blow to Team USA. He had previously registered a time of 9.98 seconds earlier this year, keeping expectations high for his performance on the world stage.
However, his season has been marred by off-track controversies. In May, Kerley withdrew from the Grand Slam Track meet in Miami following legal issues, including an arrest for battery and other charges stemming from earlier incidents in January.
The athlete’s turbulent year has now culminated in his retreat from competition, with fans and officials left questioning whether Kerley will return to form in time for the Olympic cycle.
With the US Championships serving as the trials for the Tokyo Worlds, Kerley’s withdrawal opens the door for rising talents to represent the nation—but also marks a sobering moment in the career of one of athletics’ recent greats.
