As anticipation builds for this weekend’s Adidas Atlanta City Games, sprint star Fred Kerley has publicly expressed his desire to join the showpiece 150m race.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on May 15, the 2022 World 100m champion made his feelings known in no uncertain terms.
“I want to run that 150.”
Earlier this month, Kerley was withdrawn from the Miami Grand Slam Track Meet following an altercation involving his ex-girlfriend, hurdler Alaysha Johnson, in Dania Beach, Florida. The incident, which reportedly turned physical and resulted in police involvement, led to Kerley’s removal from the Miami start list. The sprinter later issued a public apology and pledged to “clear his name” as the case remains under investigation.
Despite this setback, Kerley has remained focused on his sprinting ambitions. Just days after missing out on Miami, the American made a statement return at the Franson Last Chance meet in Azusa, California. There, he posted impressive times across three rounds of the 100m, including a wind-legal 9.98 seconds in the final.
Yet, when the initial start lists for the Adidas Atlanta City Games dropped, Kerley’s name was noticeably absent from both the 100m and the eagerly anticipated 150m event. The Atlanta showcase has left him off the lineup for the second consecutive year.
Meanwhile, the spotlight in Atlanta is firmly on Noah Lyles, who is chasing not only victory but also a place in history as he targets Usain Bolt’s 150m world best of 14.35 seconds, set in 2009. Lyles came agonizingly close last year, missing the mark by just 0.06 seconds. He’ll face stiff competition from a stacked field, including Zharnel Hughes, Alexander Ogando, and Ferdinand Omanyala.
Though Kerley remains on the outside looking in, his message has struck a chord with fans and athletes alike. The 150m, a rarely run but fan-favorite distance, is shaping up as one of the must-watch sprints of the year — and Kerley wants a lane.
While his participation in Atlanta remains uncertain, all signs point to a packed schedule ahead for the Texas native. With the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13–21 on the horizon, Kerley will be looking to build momentum through high-profile races in the coming months.
