Fred Kerley, one of America’s most accomplished sprinters, has officially pulled out of the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships, a move that has stunned fans and shaken up the U.S. sprinting landscape.
The news came directly from Kerley himself, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 29.
“2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters.”
With his withdrawal, Kerley will also miss the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, a major blow for Team USA. This marks the first time since 2017 that the 29-year-old sprinter won’t represent the United States at a global championship.
A Star Off the Line
Fred Kerley is no ordinary athlete. A two-time Olympic medalist, with a silver from Tokyo and a bronze from Paris, he also claimed the 2022 World Championship 100m title in dominant fashion, clocking 9.76 seconds in the final after a blistering 9.77 in the semis. Those performances stood unmatched for three years, until Jamaican sensation Kishane Thompson edged past with a 9.75 last month, posting the fastest 100m in a decade.
This season, however, Kerley hasn’t quite looked like his usual explosive self. His best wind-legal time over 100m in 2025 is 9.98 seconds, tying him for ninth among U.S. sprinters, a far cry from his title-winning form.
Still, track fans have learned never to count Fred Kerley out. In 2024, despite a sluggish buildup to the Olympic Trials, he surged when it mattered most, earning his place in Paris and claiming bronze. His ability to rise under pressure has defined much of his career, until now.
A Season of Struggles, On and Off the Track
Fred Kerley’s 2025 season has been marred by more than just slower times. Off the track, the headlines have been just as turbulent.
His Grand Slam Track (GST) campaign got off to a rocky start. At the opening meet, fans were more focused on his kit than his race. While most athletes appeared in familiar Nike or Adidas gear, Kerley showed up in a minimalist black tank top with a mysterious logo. The internet buzzed with questions about sponsorships and brand deals. Eventually, he returned to Nike gear, but the speculation had already taken flight.
Following the GST meet in Jamaica, Kerley disappeared from the circuit without explanation. Ahead of the Miami leg, GST released a statement that shook the sport:
“Fred Kerley was arrested last night. The matter is under active investigation, and all inquiries should be directed to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.”
The arrest sidelined him indefinitely from the GST series, casting a shadow over what was meant to be his resurgence year.
What’s Next for Kerley?
Kerley’s absence from the USATF Outdoor Championships and World Championships not only opens the door for rising American sprinters but also raises serious questions about his future in the sport.
From world champion to embroiled in off-track controversy, Fred Kerley’s 2025 has become a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can shift.
Still, if there’s one thing Fred Kerley has proven over the years, it’s resilience. With time to regroup and refocus, fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely, hoping this isn’t the final chapter in an otherwise brilliant career.