Fred Kerley, the U.S. sprinter who claimed 100 m bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics and silver at Tokyo 2020, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit due to multiple “whereabouts failures”—i.e., missed or inaccurate location reports needed for anti-doping testing. The AIU allows for a two-year ban, although it may be reduced depending on fault. Kerley’s attorney argues at least one missed test should be dismissed, citing either no negligence or that doping officials failed to reasonably locate him.
Further complicating his year, Kerley withdrew from the USA Track and Field Championships—in turn missing the World Championships in Tokyo—stating on social media, “2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track.” Earlier this year, he was also arrested in Florida in May on battery allegations, which his legal team insists are unfounded.
Kishane Thompson Pulling Out
Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson won a much-anticipated rematch against Noah Lyles at the Silesia Diamond League, clocking 9.87 s to Lyles’ 9.90 s. Despite that strong performance, Thompson has opted out of the upcoming 100 m at the Lausanne Diamond League, citing shin discomfort. As a result, he’s unlikely to compete again before the World Championships in Tokyo this September. Meanwhile, world-champion Shericka Jackson will also be absent from Lausanne, though she recently posted a season’s best of 22.17 s in the women’s 200 m.
The Future of Grand Slam Track
Grand Slam Track—an up-and-coming series founded by four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson—is gaining attention as a potential rival to the established Diamond League. Kerley had competed in the Kingston Slam, the series’ inaugural meet held in Jamaica. However, due to his May arrest, he missed the Miami leg. While his legal matters and suspension may cast doubt on his continued participation, the Grand Slam Track series remains poised as a promising new force in athletics.
Fred Kerley, a decorated 100 m sprinter, is facing a provisional anti-doping suspension, legal entanglements, and has withdrawn from key events—jeopardizing his competitive season. Kishane Thompson, despite a strong Diamond League showing, is sidelined due to injury ahead of the World Championships. At the same time, Grand Slam Track is emerging as a bold new circuit with high-profile athletes, though Kerley’s absence from Miami raises questions about its rotation of star athletes.
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