Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek. i Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek.
Justin Gatlin has predicted the lineup to join Noah Lyles on Team USA for the 100m at the 2025 World Championships.
Former Olympic and world champion Justin Gatlin has weighed in on the highly anticipated U.S. men’s 100m team selection for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin offered a mix of cautious optimism and veteran loyalty in naming his early picks for the U.S. squad especially on the part of Fred Kerley, just weeks before the national trials.
The 2004 Olympic gold medalist didn’t hesitate to throw support behind seasoned sprinters Trayvon Bromell, Kenny Bednarek, and Kerley, three names he believes are best equipped for championship-level pressure.
With defending world champion Noah Lyles already having an automatic spot on Team USA, the remaining places are expected to trigger intense competition among both established and emerging American sprinters.
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Gatlin Expresses Cautious Optimism
Kenny Bednarek is undefeated in his 2025 season so far
Gatlin expressed uncertainty regarding Kenny Bednarek’s current injury status but still penciled him in as a contender:
“I’m gonna say Trayvon. I don’t know how Kenny is right now injury-wise. I say Kenny, Trayvon and, oh, that fourth spot is tough. It’s hard to bet against Fred, bro, in them situations. He thugs it out.”
Fred Kerley, despite a subpar season by his own standards, was another lock in Gatlin’s provisional picks, thanks to his proven track record on the global stage.
Gatlin emphasized the value of experience over form, noting that major championships often demand composure and mental resilience, qualities he believes the veterans possess in abundance.
He was careful not to dismiss the new generation of American sprinters making waves in the 2025 season.
“Not knocking the young guys at all, the young lions that are showing up and showing out already. But that’s my top three right there, man… Trayvon, Kenny, and Fred for right now. That’s what I’m gonna do. I’m penciling it in,” he stated.
Kerley’s Redemption Arc and the Road to Tokyo
Noah Lyles vs Fred Kerley
Fred Kerley’s form has been a concern for many fans, with inconsistent performances raising questions about his readiness.
However, Gatlin remains confident that the 2022 world champion has what it takes to peak when it matters most.
With Noah Lyles already qualified for Tokyo after his 2023 Budapest triumph, the focus shifts to who can rise to the occasion and join him as America’s best.
The U.S. Trials promise to be a battle of generations, where youth will meet legacy on the track.
Gatlin’s predictions reflect the faith in battle-tested athletes, but the upcoming weeks will determine whether the new blood can disrupt the old guard on the road to the 2025 World Championships.
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