The first US man and the first track and field athlete to sign up for the Enhanced Games, where competitors will be given the option of using performance-enhancing drugs, has been Fred Kerley, a two-time Olympic 100m medallist who is currently serving a suspension.
On Wednesday, The Enhanced Games announced Kerley’s participation on social media, saying in a post on X that the competition’s first edition allowed “performance-enhancing substances” with a protocol they called “safe, legal, and science-driven.”
In a statement posted on the Enhanced Games website, Kerley stated that he believes the Enhanced Games will give him a chance to challenge Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second 100-meter world record.
The ultimate goal of my career has always been the record, Kerley said. “I now have the opportunity to put all of my energy into pushing my limits and surpassing all previous human records.”
Any competitor who breaks the record at the event will receive a $1 million bonus.
At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kerley won 100 meters and bronze at the Paris Games last year.
Also Read: Olympic 100m medalist Kerley denies battery and accepts “altercation.”
He won 100 meters at the World Championships in 2022, but he is currently serving a provisional suspension for breaking anti-doping test location restrictions.
James Magnussen, Ben Proud, and Kristian Gkolomeev are the first track and field experts to commit to the Enhanced Games.
The World Anti-Doping Agency described the project as “dangerous and irresponsible,” with Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza launching it in 2023 with the backing of the country over fears it could harm athletes’ health.
The first event, which will feature swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting, is scheduled for May 21 through May 24, 2026 in Las Vegas.
Steroid and human growth hormones, which are prohibited in all other international sports, will be available to athletes competing in the Enhanced Games.
The top three teams each receive $250,000.
World Aquatics became the first international organization to forbid athletes, coaches, and officials from competing in the Enhanced Games in June.
Source: Channels TV
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