American sprinter Fred Kerley has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) over alleged whereabouts failures.
The ruling, announced on Tuesday, sidelines the Olympic silver and bronze medallist from competition while the case is under review.
Fred Kerley, 29, the 2022 world champion in the men’s 100 metres, has made it clear he intends to contest the charge, insisting that at least one of the missed tests should not count against him.
“He strongly believes that one or more of his alleged missed tests should be set aside either because he was not negligent or because the Doping Control Officer did not do what was reasonable under the circumstances to locate him at his designated location,” his attorney said in a statement shared on the sprinter’s 𝕏 account.
The Texas-born sprinter, who famously switched from the 400m to dominate the 100m, withdrew from the U.S. track and field trials last month. At the time, he hinted at personal challenges, posting: “Taking some time out to get back on track. The 100m should be a straight sprint. 2025 has presented many hurdles. Thanks to all my supporters.”
Kerley’s last appearance on the track came in July at the Grand Sprint Series in Norwalk, California, where he lined up against some of the sport’s top talents.
His suspension casts uncertainty over his preparations for next year’s major championships, though the outcome of the case will ultimately decide whether he returns in time for the 2025 season’s biggest races.
The AIU’s whereabouts rules require elite athletes to provide daily location details for out-of-competition testing. Three failures within 12 months can lead to a ban of up to two years.
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