2025 was supposed to be Fred Kerley’s year, lots of big talk but not much action… at least not at first. He’s competed in five races so far but had to sit out two because of ongoing legal issues. The drama hit a high point at the Miami Slam (May 2–4), where Kerley was set to run to 100m and 200m. But just a day before the event, on May 1, he was arrested on a battery charge, forcing him to pull out. That left everyone wondering if Fred was done for the season or maybe even done for good. But hold up, because Fred wasn’t ready to quit.
When the Grand Slam meet kicked off in Philadelphia on May 31, Fred Kerley wasn’t competing there, but he was still making waves elsewhere. Over in Tenerife, at the Canarias Athletics Invitational, Fred was busy showing the world exactly what he’s made of. This event, newly promoted to silver status, the third most prestigious tier on the global circuit, attracted 100 athletes from 40 countries. And Kerley? He didn’t just participate; he dominated, blazing through the 200m dash in 20.17 seconds to take first place.
Brandon Hicklin finished second with 20.45, Puerto Rico’s Jose Figueroa claimed third in 20.69, and Samuel Garcia from La Palma came sixth at 21.40. This wasn’t just a win, it was a bold statement that Fred Kerley is back and ready to compete at the highest level. To celebrate his victory, Fred shared a throwback video on Instagram from his iconic Diamond League 100m win in Florence, where he clocked 9.94 seconds.
In the clip, he declares, “There is no one like me. I am different. Simple.” Warning to all rivals! That’s the Fred everyone remembers, the guy who isn’t just fast, but truly unique. In that race, Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala finished second in 10.05 seconds, while world silver medalist Travon Bromell was third with a season-best 10.09. Facing competition like that and still winning? That’s the mark of a champion. So yes, 2025 has been a rollercoaster for Fred Kerley, legal drama, missed races, and plenty of talk. But his recent performances prove he’s far from finished. But how was his season so far?
Fred Kerley’s fight to stay on track in 2025
Fred Kerley’s 2025 season has been a wild ride so far. He started off strong, winning the 100m at the USC Trojan Invitational in March with a solid 10.23 seconds, not his personal best, but a promising opener. In early April during the Kingston Slam, he competed in both the 100m and 200m, getting seventh in the first event with a time of 10.30 and finishing third in the 200m at 20.39 seconds. It wasn’t bad, especially as he got to keep $25,000 from appearing. Even as things were looking better for Fred, he hit a big problem: on May 1, he was arrested on charges of battery with his ex-girlfriend, which meant he missed the Miami Slam. That arrest interrupted his season.
However, Fred Kerley did not give up because of that. At the Franson Last Chance Meet on May 9–11, he was back on the track, winning both the 100m prelims and semifinals with fast times of 9.95 and 9.87 seconds, proving to everyone that he’s still excited about running. Just one week later, at the Mohammed VI d’Athletisme de Rabat meet, he came in third place in the 100m with a time of 10.07 seconds, making his return to the Diamond League go well.
These legal troubles have made some of his race appearances uncertain; for example, it was unclear if he’d run at the Philadelphia Slam at the end of May because of ongoing legal proceedings. Despite all the drama and setbacks, Fred’s eyes are on the prize: the world championships in Tokyo this September. If he can keep his focus and stay on track, there’s no doubt he still has what it takes to make a serious run for the title.
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