I won't be using performance drugs - Reece Prescod vows to compete clean after signing for Enhanced Games

Retired British sprinter Reece Prescod has confirmed he will not use performance-enhancing drugs, despite signing on for the controversial Enhanced Games.

The former European 100m silver medallist who recently joined the controversial event, made this shocking revelation on competing clean, eventhough the competition permits use of banned substances, provided they are under medical supervision.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's World at One, the 29-year-old was asked directly if he had taken any substances, to which he replied, "no." When pressed on whether he would in the future, he gave the same answer.

"Obviously, medical-wise it's always confidential, but I think for me right now the biggest priority is getting back into that sub-10 shape," he stated.

Despite the criticisms he has received, notably from UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner, who expressed his dismay saying he was "appalled" by Prescod's decision to join.

Unfazed, the speedster emphasized that participants have a "personal choice" regarding their approach.

"People aren't necessarily aware that's actually a choice you have. Some athletes will be enhanced, some athletes will not be enhanced," Prescod explained. "I've started my winter preparation like I normally would for an athletics season."

He noted saying: 'the organizers aren't asking me to take anything" and he was undecided on whether he would use any substances.

Prescod, who retired last year, is the fourth-fastest British man in history over 100m with a personal best of 9.93 seconds. However, to get to that level of speed and recognition, he had to ovecome several challenges both physically, mentally, and financially.

He was plagued by injuries as a teenager, worked behind the bar at a golf club and on the tills at Homebase, and considered quitting altogether to become an estate agent before his perseverance was rewarded in 2017 when he won the national championships and then made the final of the World Championships.

The following year, he broke the ten-second barrier four times and was pipped to gold at the European Championships by just 0.01sec, but a serious hamstring injury then derailed that momentum.

In 2022, he ran his personal best of 9.93s, got to the 100m final, and won bronze at the World Championships as part of the 4x100m relay team, having replaced CJ Ujah in the quartet.

When questioned if competing clean would put him at a disadvantage, Prescod highlighted his long career record. "I've competed [for] 12 or 15 years completely clean with never any sort of violation," he said, noting he has broken the 10-second barrier on multiple occasions.

While he admitted the "prospect of it is definitely exciting," he described potential enhancements as "more the icing on the cake" rather than the foundation of his preparation. He stressed that technique and proper training would remain the key factors in his performance.

"I know I'm capable of having a certain level of speed," he said. "But again, the medical team that we have is very good and the enhancements are there if that's the option you want to take."

He further explained his decision to retire was due to a "lack of support" and funding, which made continuing in the sport untenable.

"I asked the sponsors in the industry, I sent multiple emails, spoke to all the agents, and said was there any opportunity for me to continue and the answer was 'no'," he revealed. "It's like going to work full-time and not having a salary. You just can't do it."

The Enhanced Games is scheduled to take place from May 21 - 24 in Las Vegas, and will feature other top sprinters such as former world champion Fred Kerley, Liberia's Emmanuel Matadi, and South Africa's Clerance Munyai.