Attack on century record: US superstar takes part in "irresponsible" competition

Attack on century record: US superstar participates in "irresponsible" competition 17.09.2025, 23:28

The Enhanced Games have big plans: to break Usain Bolt's century-old athletics record. To achieve this, the organizers are breaking the rules of sport and allowing performance-enhancing drugs. A big name has now agreed to participate.

A big name has given his approval for the highly controversial Enhanced Games: Former 100-meter world champion Fred Kerley, currently suspended for missing doping tests, will compete in the first edition of the "doping games" in May 2026. The organization announced this on Wednesday.

The 2022 100-meter world champion is the first track and field athlete, and the first American, to confirm their participation in the event, which allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs banned in official competitions. The organizers of the Enhanced Games themselves claim that the drugs are "safe, legal, and scientifically sound," and that their use is under strict medical supervision.

"The ultimate goal"

Kerley will receive $1 million if he breaks Usain Bolt's 2009 100-meter world record of 9.58 seconds. This record has "always been the ultimate goal" of his career. "This gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human being of all time," Kerley was quoted as saying in the Enhanced Games press release. His personal best is 9.76 seconds.

Kerley, 30, joins several elite swimmers who have already registered for the competition, including British Olympic silver medalist Ben Proud. The event, scheduled for May 21-24, 2026, in Las Vegas, will feature swimming, track and field, and weightlifting events.

"Dangerous and irresponsible"

The project, launched in 2023 by Australian entrepreneur Aron D'Souza, has sparked controversy in both the sports world and scientific circles. Sebastian Coe, President of the International Athletics Federation, called the idea "nonsense," while the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) branded the project "dangerous and irresponsible."

In August, the Enhanced Games filed an antitrust lawsuit against World Aquatics, USA Swimming, and WADA for up to $800 million, accusing them of an illegal campaign to "dismantle" the competition.