Fred Kerley Faces Two-Year Doping Ban: Sprint Star Fights Back, Claims Test Failures Were Not His Fault
Fred Kerley, the American sprinting sensation, is currently facing a significant challenge in his career after being handed a two-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing three doping tests over a 12-month period. The AIU, the governing body responsible for maintaining integrity in track and field, made the decision following the series of whereabouts failures. This move casts a shadow over Kerley’s celebrated career, which has seen him win a silver medal in the 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a bronze in the 2024 Paris Games. He also clinched the World Championship title in the 100m in 2022, solidifying his place among the elite sprinters of his generation.
However, Kerley has quickly made it known that he intends to challenge the suspension. The 29-year-old sprinter, renowned for his blazing speed and consistency on the track, has voiced his belief that the missed tests were not entirely his fault. His lawyer, Howard Jacobs, issued a statement in defense of Kerley, asserting that one or more of the alleged missed tests should be dismissed. The crux of Kerley’s argument is that he was not negligent in his whereabouts and that the doping control officers involved failed to take reasonable steps to locate him at his designated location.
This situation has added another layer of complexity to an already turbulent year for the sprinter. In July, Kerley made headlines for withdrawing from the US track and field trials, citing a need for time off to “get back on track.” In a post on social media, he acknowledged that the year 2025 had presented him with many challenges, including personal and professional hurdles. Despite these setbacks, Kerley expressed his gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to returning stronger.
While the suspension has cast a cloud over Kerley’s future in the sport, he remains determined to clear his name and continue his career. As one of the fastest men in the world, his fight against the suspension will be closely watched by fans and athletes alike, as it could have broader implications for how doping tests and whereabouts failures are handled in the world of athletics.
