US sprinter Kerley joins Enhanced Games

Sprinter Fred Kerley is the first American male to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games.

The controversial event, which is scheduled to take place for the first time in 2026, allows athletes to use prohibited performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision.

Kerley, who won the bronze medal in the 100-meter event at the Paris 2025 Olympics, has been temporarily suspended due to an alleged anti-doping whereabouts violation, and will no longer compete at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 30-year-old posted on social media platform X that he would contest the claim, which could lead to a two-year suspension.

Kerley, who won the 100m world championship in 2022, said, “I’m looking forward to this new chapter and competing at the Enhanced Games.”

The Enhanced Games would award Kerley $1 million (£730, 000) in prize money if he ran faster than Usain Bolt’s 100-meter record of 9.58 seconds.

Olympic swimmer Ben Proud became the first British athlete to sign up earlier this month despite World Aquatics becoming the first international sports organization to outlaw competitors, coaches, and officials from participating in competitions.

The Enhanced Games were described by an athlete commission from the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) as a “reckless venture” that “potentially endanger the integrity of world sport.”

After confronting officers in Miami in January, Kerley was arrested and tasered by the police, who later claimed it was due to a “misunderstanding.”

He allegedly punched Alaysha Johnson, his ex-girlfriend, in the face, in a reportedly public incident.

In addition to his bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kerley also won 100m silver.