American sprint star Fred Kerley has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for three missed doping tests within a 12-month period, putting him at risk of a two-year ban.
The AIU issued the suspension on Tuesday, citing three whereabouts failures under anti-doping rules. Kerley, who won Olympic silver in the 100m at Tokyo 2020 and bronze in Paris last year, as well as the world championship in 2022, has said he will challenge the ban.
In a statement, Kerley’s lawyer Howard Jacobs insisted: “He strongly believes that one or more of his alleged missed tests should be set aside either because he was not negligent or because the doping control officer did not do what was reasonable under the circumstances to locate him at his designated location.”
Kerley withdrew from the US track and field trials in July, posting on X: “Taking some time out to get back on track. The 100m should be a straight sprint. 2025 has presented many hurdles. Thanks to all my supporters.”
The case comes amid a busy period for athletics, but the focus remains on Kerley’s defence as he seeks to overturn the suspension and avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
