Sprinter Fred Kerley pulls out of USATF Champs, to miss worlds

Sprinter Fred Kerley will not take part in the USA Track and Field Championships, set to begin Thursday in Eugene, Ore.

His withdrawal from the event makes the two-time Olympic medalist unable to participate in the World Championships in Tokyo.

A specialist in the 100-meter distance, Kerley, 30, announced his withdrawal on social media Wednesday.

"The 100m should be a straight sprint. 2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters," he posted.

Kerley won gold medals in the 100 at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and in the 4x100 relay in Budapest in 2023.

At the Olympics, he took home a silver medal from the 2020 Tokyo Games and a bronze from the 2024 Paris Games.

His personal best in the event is 9.76 seconds, set in 2022 in Eugene.

Kerley was arrested in Florida in May and charged with touch or strike battery after his former girlfriend alleged he struck her in the face with a closed fist.

At the time, his attorney told The Athletic that Kerley was arrested without a "thorough investigation."

"Fred never battered anyone," Richard L. Cooper said in a statement to The Athletic. "We are focused on working with prosecutors to show that this arrest was a mistake and no charges should be filed. I am confident in that goal."

The top three finishers at the U.S. championships will qualify for the worlds, to be held in September. Noah Lyles earned a bye as the defending champion.

--Field Level Media