American sprint star Fred Kerley to contest AIU Whereabouts failure suspension

The  Olympic 100m bronze medallist and 2022 world champion Fred Kerley, who was on Tuesday suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for whereabouts failures, has issued a statement declaring his intention to fight the allegations.

In the statement, Kerley said he strongly believes that one of his alleged missed tests should be set aside—either because he was not negligent or because the Doping Control Officer did not take reasonable steps under the circumstances to locate him at his designated location.

Kerley added that he will not be commenting further at this time, “out of respect for the process, and looks forward to presenting his case before the appointed hearing panel”.

The development comes just weeks after the athlete withdrew from the US Track and Field Championships in Oregon, ruling him out of the World Championships in Tokyo this September.

“2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters,” Kerley wrote on social media.

Kerley won silver in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics and claimed bronze in the same event last year.

Separately, in January, he was charged with domestic violence by strangulation in connection with an incident that occurred in May 2024.