Battery charge against Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley dropped

The battery charge against two-time Olympic medalist Fred Kerley has been dropped, according to his attorney, who said prosecutors made the correct decision.

Kerley, 30, announced the development on Instagram after appearing in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit court alongside his lawyer, Richard L. Cooper.

“Pressure built me, it didn’t break me. Case dismissed. Victory secured,” Kerley wrote in the caption of his post. “You can’t stop destiny. It’s up from here.”

His attorney said the charge, which stemmed from a May 2025 arrest, was dismissed, adding that Kerley had maintained his innocence from the outset. “He had a target on his back,” Cooper said. “We’re grateful Prosecutors made the right choice and did the right thing.”

Authorities had previously alleged that Kerley struck his former girlfriend, Olympic hurdler Alaysha Johnson, during an encounter at a conditioning session for an upcoming track and field event.

Johnson told police that an argument began after they crossed paths and claimed he hit her in the face, causing her nose to bleed. According to the police report at the time, officers noted that “Johnson’s injuries were consistent with her statements.”

The reason for the dismissal of the charge has not been made public. Kerley was not convicted.