British athletes from various sports are being approached by the Enhanced Games, following the announcement that US sprint star Fred Kerley has signed up for the controversial event. Kerley, the 2022 world 100m champion, says he joined the Enhanced Games—which permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs banned in official competitions—to try to become the fastest man in history.
Sources have informed the Guardian that the Enhanced Games have been contacting other British athletes after confirming last week that they had signed Ben Proud, the Olympic silver medallist in the 50m freestyle.
Kerley’s decision led to his management agency, Pace Sports Management—which also represents Usain Bolt and Mo Farah—dropping him. Ricky Simms, head of Pace Sports, stated: “We did not negotiate this deal and no longer represent Fred Kerley.”
The American sprinter, who won 100m silver in Tokyo and bronze in Paris last year, is currently provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for whereabouts violations. If found guilty of an anti-doping breach, Kerley faces a minimum two-year ban from track and field. David Howman, chairman of the AIU, suggested further sanctions could follow.
“He is currently suspended and not a member of World Athletics,” Howman said. “We can’t comment further until the case is resolved. Because he is suspended, he has no rights in relation to athletics. What happens in the future remains to be seen—that could include further suspension proceedings.”
Howman also questioned the appeal of the Enhanced Games, scheduled for Las Vegas next May. “I’m reminded of the Romans watching Christians fight lions—there will always be an audience for something unusual,” he remarked. “But I’d ask every spectator: ‘Would you want to watch your own child do this?’”
Ben Proud, who won silver in the men’s 50m freestyle at Paris 2024, has turned away from mainstream swimming to join the Enhanced Games.
Brett Clothier, head of the AIU, called the event “grotesque” but stressed that the organisation is more focused on regulating legitimate sports. “I don’t want to give the Enhanced Games too much attention,” he said. “Our main concern is the health of athletes like Fred Kerley who take part. It’s clearly exploitative.”
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, declined to discuss Kerley or the Enhanced Games, preferring to highlight the sport’s growing revenues and prize money. “We’ve increased revenues by about 38% over the last four years and will award around $50 million in prizes over the next four,” Lord Coe said. “I want athletes to benefit from this growth.”
Kerley, whose personal best in the 100m is 9.76 seconds, says his goal is to break Usain Bolt’s record of 9.58. In addition to appearance fees, he stands to win a million dollars if he succeeds.
“The world record has always been my ultimate career goal,” Kerley explained. “This gives me the chance to focus entirely on pushing my limits and becoming the fastest person ever.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about British athletes and the Enhanced Games presented in a clear and natural tone
General Beginner Questions
1 What are the Enhanced Games
The Enhanced Games is a proposed international sporting event where athletes are allowed to use performanceenhancing drugs There will be no drug testing
2 Why is Fred Kerley signing such a big deal
Fred Kerley is an Olympic silver medalist and one of the worlds top sprinters His involvement gives the controversial event significant credibility and attracts media attention making it more likely other top athletes will follow
3 What does this have to do with British athletes
The organizers are now actively trying to recruit top British talent to compete hoping to build a diverse and highprofile international roster of stars
4 Is this event legal
The event itself is not illegal but the use of many performanceenhancing drugs without a prescription is against the law in the UK and most countries Athletes would potentially be breaking the law to prepare for it
5 Wouldnt this be incredibly dangerous for the athletes
Yes that is the primary criticism Using high doses of PEDs without medical supervision carries severe health risks including heart problems liver damage and psychological issues
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 What are the potential benefits for a British athlete who joins
The main draw is financial The event is promising large prize money and appearance fees potentially much higher than in traditional sports It also offers a platform for athletes who may feel restricted by antidoping rules
7 What are the biggest risks for an athlete considering this
Beyond the health risks an athlete would face a lifetime ban from all major recognized sports bodies destroying their traditional career They could also face significant public backlash and damage to their personal reputation
8 Could a British athlete be banned from the Olympics for competing in the Enhanced Games
Almost certainly yes Associating with an event that promotes banned substances would be seen as a violation of the World AntiDoping Agency code resulting in a ban from Olympic competition
9 Has any wellknown British athlete shown interest
As of now no highprofile British athlete has publicly committed Most have distanced themselves from the concept citing the health risks and their commitment to clean sport
