British Sprinter Comes Out of Retirement to Join Fred Kerley in Controversial Enhanced Games

British sprinter Reece Prescod has announced his participation in the inaugural Enhanced Games, a controversial event that permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The competition, dubbed the "Olympics on steroids," is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas this May. Prescod, who retired from professional athletics last year at 29, joins a roster that reportedly includes American sprinter and former world champion Fred Kerley.

The move marks a surprising U-turn for the British athlete, who had previously stated his intention to focus on coaching and grassroots development after hanging up his spikes.

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In a statement, Prescod expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture. "I’m very excited to join the sprinting field and compete in the inaugural Enhanced Games," he said as quoted by Athletics Weekly.

"The Enhanced medical team is top-tier and has prioritised my safety and well-being from the start. Enhanced has provided me with life-changing medical supervision, exceptional training support, and a fantastic compensation model."

He added, "This is a new chapter for me, and I’m excited to be part of something where I feel valued, and talent is recognised."

Both brilliant highs and frustrating lows marked Prescod's career. He claimed the British 100m title in 2017 and secured a European silver medal in 2018 behind compatriot Zharnel Hughes. His personal best of 9.93 seconds, set in Ostrava in 2022, places him fourth on the UK's all-time list.

However, his potential was often hampered by injuries and inconsistent form, which he once candidly attributed to a lifestyle of fast food and late-night gaming ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

The announcement drew a swift and sharp rebuke from UK Athletics (UKA). Jack Buckner, the governing body's chief executive, condemned the decision.

"As a former athlete, I find this particularly appalling," Buckner stated. "To see a British athlete aligning themselves with an event that celebrates the use of performance-enhancing drugs is profoundly disappointing."

UKA issued a formal statement reinforcing its stance, declaring that it "does not recognise the Enhanced Games as a legitimate sporting competition."

"This concept fundamentally undermines the integrity of competition, places athletes’ health and welfare at serious risk, and is incompatible with the principles of clean sport," the statement read. "It is disappointing to see a former team member demonstrate disregard in this manner."

The Enhanced Games offers significant financial incentives, including appearance fees, prize money up to $250,000 per event, and a $1 million bonus for any athlete who breaks Usain Bolt's 100m world record.

Prescod is the second prominent British athlete to sign on, following world champion swimmer Ben Proud, who joined last year.