Sprinter Fred Kerley Joins No-Testing Enhanced Games Amid Controversy

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Suspended U.S. sprinter Fred Kerley has made headlines by becoming the first American man and first track athlete to commit to the no-testing Enhanced Games. This newly created sports event promises no drug testing, allowing athletes to push their physical limits without the restrictions of traditional anti-doping rules.

Kerley, 30, announced his decision on Wednesday, stating, “This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live.” He holds two Olympic medals in the 100 meters, securing silver in Tokyo 2021 and bronze in Paris last year.

Despite his achievements, Kerley is currently under provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit due to failures in maintaining required contact information. As a result, he is not participating in the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The Enhanced Games, set to debut in May 2026 in Las Vegas, will feature competitions in various sports, including track, swimming, and weightlifting, with athletes competing for significant cash prizes. Winners of each event can earn $500,000, while breaking a world record could net an additional $1 million, specifically for the 100-meter sprint.

Kerley’s high-profile signing has drawn scrutiny, prompting World Athletics president Sebastian Coe to comment that athletes who choose to participate in the Enhanced Games might face lengthy bans from traditional competitions. “We’re in a championships,” Coe said, emphasizing that no further comments would be made at this time.

Brett Clothier, head of the Athletics Integrity Unit, expressed concerns over the health implications for athletes participating in the Enhanced Games, stating, “It’s kind of grotesque; the athletes… are being used.”

In addition to his suspension, Kerley faces legal issues after being charged in Florida with punching a fellow Olympian and a police officer in separate incidents earlier this year. However, his lawyers maintain that he is innocent of these charges and plan to contest them.

Earlier this month, swimmer Ben Proud also signed on to the Enhanced Games, illustrating the growing attraction of the event despite criticisms from various sports organizations. The UK Anti-Doping’s athlete commission condemned the competition, warning it could damage the integrity of global sports irreparably.

As Kerley looks to the future, he remains focused on the prospect of breaking Usain Bolt’s iconic 100m record of 9.58 seconds, setting the stage for a controversial chapter in his career.