The athletics world is undergoing one of its most tumultuous times in recent memory. However, it seems like Fred Kerley is all up for the change. “Unless they start paying athletes properly, people will put themselves first,” said the 30-year-old about his decision to sign up for the Enhanced Games despite the IOC’s hard-and-fast regulations. And it looks like Kerley isn’t shy about showing off every little act of defiance, either.

On September 18, the two-time Olympic medalist took to X to share how he’s committed to Australian businessman Aron D’Souza’s vision for a more inclusive track and field environment, at the expense of the sport’s apex body. Captioned “Keep them coming,” the post shows the American holding a Bereg Kit, a container that athletes are supposed to send their urine samples in for d— testing. However, as a garbage bin can be seen in the background, it’s not hard to assume where Kerley’s Bereg Kit is ending up.

But one should keep in mind that deeds like these are exactly what opened the controversial chain of events in the first place. Kerley missed three doping tests in a 12-month period, prompting the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to provisionally ban him in August. Just weeks before that, the seventh fastest man in history had also pulled out of the USATF Championships, ending his chances of competing at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.

But it looked like Fred Kerley was actively looking at options, which allowed him to compete without putting in too many conditions to do so. When the Texas native was announced as the first track and field athlete to sign up for the Enhanced Games, it was a bolt without the blue for the community, who still waited for a verdict on Kerley’s appeal to hold off his temporary ban. However, it seems like the 3x World Championships gold medalist is following his own path instead of waiting for others’ consideration.

On the other hand, Kerley has made it very clear that he signed up for the Enhanced Games to attain his ultimate goal. “I’m looking forward to this new chapter and competing at the Enhanced Games…The world record has always been the ultimate goal of my career. This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live,” he said about why running in an event that allows taking of performance-enhancing medication under supervision looked like a good choice for him, for personal reasons.

But considering the circumstances, Kerley’s determination to stick it to the WADA, the USADA, and the IOC could prove fatal in the long run. The provisional suspension that he’s under could easily become a two-year ban, which would mean that Fred might also not be able to represent the Stars and Stripes at the 2028 LA Olympics. In that case, it would seem like Kerley is focusing all his energies and resources on an objective that could significantly impact his legacy. But that’s what makes the Texas A&M alum who he is!

Fred Kerley loves to forge his own path, and he’s got the support

Remember the drama Kerley had over his spikes last year? If you don’t, here’s a quick brush-up: At the NYC Grand Prix, Fred turned up, to everyone’s astonishment, in Puma spikes, despite ASICS being his regular shoe provider. He ultimately pulled out of the tournament, and with ASICS declaring that they had parted ways with Kerley, fans wanted in on the rumors: Was the star ditching his long-time partners for the German brand? Kerley ultimately settled with Nike ahead of the US Olympic Trials. While that commotion didn’t last too long, it showed that Fred wasn’t afraid to sail into new waters to find his perfect match.

And that’s exactly what he seems to be doing with Enhanced Games. Despite the AIU’s frowning stares, the stakeholders of the upcoming tournament, slated to kick off in Las Vegas next May, firmly believe that it’s what the world of athletics needs to take things to the next level. “The IOC has effectively been a one-party state running the world of sport for 100 years. And now the opposition party is here,” said Aron D’Souza about his ambitious project.

“The Enhanced Games represent the future — real competition, real freedom and real records being smashed. This is about excellence, innovation and American dominance on the world stage…The Enhanced Games are going to be huge, and I couldn’t be prouder to support this movement that is changing sports forever,” said Donald Trump Jr, who is an investor in D’Souza’s bold goal.

So, how does all of this translate for Kerley? Well, he did reveal that his family supports his decision to try out something new amidst the looming ban possibilities. In that light, it would be safe to assume that Fred is locked in on his next steps. How about you? How do you take his recent activities? Tell us in a comment!