“Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters.” Just days before the 2025 USATF Outdoor National Championships in Eugene, a curveball hit the American sprinting world — Fred Kerley officially withdrew from the meet. The news came as a shock, especially with Olympic qualifying stakes on the line. While no detailed statement has yet clarified the reason behind the decision, what’s clear is this: Kerley’s absence reshapes the road to Paris. With Noah Lyles already secured for the 2025 Worlds via his 2023 title, those three Tokyo spots are up for grabs. So, who steps into the void?
Well, after all, this isn’t just any name-dropping out. Fred Kerley is one of America’s most decorated sprinters in recent memory. He took silver in the 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, then followed it up with a gold medal at the 2022 World Championships. Known for his versatility and raw power, Kerley’s presence was a pillar of the U.S. sprint squad. So what happens now that the linchpin is gone?
That’s the question Coach Rob took up on his YouTube channel on 30 July, and he didn’t mince words. In his breakdown, Rob framed Kerley’s withdrawal as a seismic shift that amplifies pressure on Christian Coleman, the 2019 World Champion and one of the few sprinters with the credentials to carry the baton forward.
“Fred Kerley is one of America’s best when it comes to talent. That is not an opinion. It is a fact,” Rob declared. “Take him off this team, and Christian Coleman becomes the next most talented guy, supposed to get this spot.” The logic is simple: with Kerley gone, the expectations shift, and Coleman now finds himself in a spotlight both familiar and unfamiliar.
Silesia Diamond League Chorzow 2024 Fred Kerley of the United States reacts after men’s 100m run during the Diamond League and Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Chorzow, Poland, 25 August 2024. Chorzow Poland PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAndrzejxIwanczukx originalFilename:iwanczuk-silesiad240825_npEuD.jpg
But Coleman’s path hasn’t been smooth lately. He missed qualifying for individual events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a stunning development considering his pedigree. Despite being the 2023 Diamond League 100m champion, his 2025 season has lacked consistency; he could not secure even a podium result in Diamond League meets, with all races falling below his personal best of 9.76.
So, does the road open up for redemption, or more scrutiny? Coach Rob thinks the stakes couldn’t be clearer. “Remember last year? Fred beat Coleman at the trials. Coleman was fourth. If you remove Fred, Christian would’ve been in that Olympic final. That changes the narrative.”
With trials looming and a team spot now seemingly within reach, Coleman’s response could redefine his career arc. But will he capitalize? Meanwhile, we will have to wait to see Fred Kerley in action again. But where did he start from?
Fred Kerley’s sprint to stardom
Well, Fred Kerley’s journey is pure fire. Raised in San Antonio, Texas, adopted by his aunt with 12 siblings, he was a track star waiting to shine. By 2017 at Texas A&M, he blazed a 43.70s 400m, smashing an NCAA record and cementing his name among the fastest collegians ever. Did this kid have bigger dreams?
Oh, he did. Turning pro in 2019, Kerley stormed the Lausanne Diamond League with a 9.86s 100m, joining the sub-10 club. At the Doha Worlds, he snagged a 400m bronze (44.17s) and 4x400m gold. “I desire to be the fastest man alive,” he told Olymoics.com, eyes locked on greatness. Could he climb higher?
Credit: Instagram
In 2021, Kerley answered. At the Tokyo Olympics, he nabbed 100m silver (9.84s), just behind Marcell Jacobs. Then, in 2022, he won the Eugene World Championships, winning 100m gold (9.86s) and leading a U.S. sweep. His versatility? Insane, 9.76s (100m), 19.76s (200m), 43.64s (400m), one of only three men ever in that sub-10/sub-20/sub-44 club. Was he unstoppable?
Fast forward to 2024, Kerley grabbed the 100m bronze (9.81s) in Paris. But on July 29, 2025, his X post shocked us: “The 100m should be a straight sprint. 2025 has presented many hurdles. No USATF Champs this year.” Skipping Nationals, what’s next for this sprint king?
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