Aries Merritt's amazing comeback continues at Drake Relays

(Photo: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport)USA TODAY Sports counts down the 100 days to the Rio Olympics with daily stories about athletes, teams and coaches preparing for the Summer Games. The opening ceremony is Aug. 5.

For nearly two years, Aries Merritt ran with a secret.

A rare genetic disorder ravaged Merritt’s kidneys, leaving the reigning Olympic 110-meter hurdles champion in desperate need of a transplant.

As he continued to race, others started to wonder: Why was the fastest man ever to compete in that event slipping off his pace, from global dominance in 2012 to a third-place finish at the U.S. outdoor championships a year later?

“No one had any idea,” Merritt explained. “There was all…