Former 100m world champion Fred Kerley has received a two-year ban after failing to comply with anti-doping whereabouts rules.
A tribunal ruled that Kerley acted negligently and showed some recklessness when he recorded three whereabouts failures between 11 May and 6 December 2024.
The 30-year-old had already been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit in August 2025. The suspension forced him to miss the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.
Ban Duration and Penalties
Kerley’s period of ineligibility will run until 11 August 2027.
The tribunal also ruled that all his competitive results between 6 December 2024 and 12 August 2025 will be disqualified. This includes prize money, titles, and awards.
In addition, Kerley must pay £3,000 in legal costs to World Athletics.
Anti-Doping Rules Explained
The World Anti-Doping Agency states that athletes cannot miss three tests or filing requirements within a 12-month period.
The tribunal decided not to consider a fourth alleged violation on 7 December because the first three failures already confirmed the offence.
Kerley’s Achievements
Kerley has enjoyed a successful sprinting career.
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Gold in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships 2022
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Gold medals in the 4x100m relay in 2019 and 2023
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Olympic silver medal in the 100m at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
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Olympic bronze medal at Paris 2024 Olympic Games
AIU Response
AIU head Brett Clothier stressed the importance of strict testing rules.
He said anti-doping authorities must be able to test athletes at any time without warning. Otherwise, athletes could avoid detection.
Athlete’s Explanation
Kerley accepted one missed test on 13 June. However, he blamed technical issues with the United States Anti-Doping Agency app for another missed test.
He also claimed the doping control officer caused two other missed attempts in December.
Kerley’s legal team may still appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
