“The biggest track meet of the year in the USA is USA…” That’s what Fred Kerley wrote on X earlier this month, setting the tone for what fans thought would be a big showdown. A week later, he clocked 10.07 in the 100m at the Grand Sprint Series in Norwalk. Not the flashiest time, sure—but Fred looked sharp, and it seemed like he was gearing up for something big. He had even signed up for the double: both the 100m and 200m at the USATF Nationals. But now? Things have taken a turn. 

Fred Kerley, the two-time Olympic 100m medalist, is officially out of this week’s Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships—and the news came straight from him. On July 29, he posted on X: “2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters.” So yes, that means Fred won’t be heading to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. And that’s a big deal—this’ll be the first time since 2017 that he’s missing out. The way things were shaping up, it really wasn’t supposed to go down like this.

Fred Kerley’s got a serious resume—Olympic silver in Tokyo, bronze in Paris, and a world title in between. Back in 2022, he lit up the track with 9.77 in the semis and 9.76 in the final to grab that world championship gold. Nobody touched those times for three whole years—until Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson dropped a 9.75 last month, the fastest the world’s seen in a decade. As for this season, Fred’s best wind-legal 100m time was 9.98. Solid, but that only puts him tied for ninth among Americans in 2025. Again, the timing wasn’t that Fred Kerley-esque. But that had been the case last year as well. 

Before heading into the US Olympic Trials last June, Fred Kerley hadn’t even cracked 9.90 in the 100m all season. But when it mattered most, he showed up big time—dropping back-to-back solid runs at the Trials and punching his ticket to Paris. And if you’re a real track fan, you already know what went down in the French capital. Fred delivered when it counted, like he always does. But unfortunately, the Tokyo chapter of the World Athletics will not see him. However, what hurdles did he point out in his post? 

Fred Kerley has had a bumpy season 

Fred Kerley’s 2025 season? Let’s just say, it’s been anything but smooth. On the track, the performances haven’t quite hit the mark. Off the track? Things have been even messier—and Grand Slam Track might’ve just been the tipping point.

It all started when Fred lined up at the opening GST event, ready to make a statement. But before he even took a stride, fans were doing double takes—not because of his speed, but his outfit. While everyone else was sporting the usual Nike or Adidas kits, Fred rolled up in a plain black tank top with a tiny white logo. No one knew what brand it was. Social media went wild. Eventually, he showed up in Nike gear—but by then, the headlines had already taken off. And that was just the beginning.

After the Jamaican leg of GST, Fred vanished from the series. No appearance, no heat sheets—nothing. Then came the bombshell just ahead of the Miami stop. Grand Slam Track dropped a statement confirming Kerley had been arrested and was off the roster indefinitely. “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,” read the release. The news hit hard—and fast. What was supposed to be a comeback tour turned into headlines for all the wrong reasons. Later, the ban was extended, and Fred’s name remained off the GST roster. From world champion to off-track controversy, this chapter of Kerley’s story has left fans with more questions than answers.