The Enhanced Games, a controversial event allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs banned in official competitions, has set its sights on British athletes after signing US sprint star Fred Kerley. The 2022 world 100m champion announced his participation, aiming to become the fastest man ever, but was subsequently dropped by his management agency, Pace Sports Management, which also represents Usain Bolt and Mo Farah.
Sources have revealed that the Enhanced Games have been reaching out to other British stars, following the recent signing of Olympic 50m freestyle silver medallist swimmer Ben Proud. Kerley, who won Olympic silver in Tokyo and bronze in Paris, is currently provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for whereabouts failures. If found guilty of an anti-doping violation, he faces a minimum two-year ban from track and field.
David Howman, chairman of the AIU, stated that Kerley has no rights in relation to athletics while suspended and suggested further sanctions could follow. He questioned the appeal of the Enhanced Games, comparing it to Roman spectacles. Brett Clothier, head of the AIU, described the event as 'grotesque' and expressed concern for the health of participating athletes.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe declined to comment on Kerley or the Enhanced Games, instead highlighting the sport's increased revenues and prize money. Kerley, with a personal best of 9.76 seconds, said he joined the Enhanced Games to pursue the world record and will earn a $1 million bonus if he surpasses Usain Bolt's 9.58-second mark.
