Two-time Olympic medallist Fred Kerley has been announced as the first track athlete and the first American male competitor confirmed for the inaugural Enhanced Games, a new sporting event set to debut in May 2026 that will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without restriction.

According to Yahoo Sports, the former 100-metre world champion is joining the controversial start-up competition while currently facing a provisional suspension issued by the Athletics Integrity Unit over “whereabouts failures” under anti-doping regulations.

The Enhanced Games, to be held in Las Vegas, will break from traditional competitions like the Olympic Games and World Championships, which enforce strict anti-doping rules. Instead, the new event will allow athletes to pursue maximum physical performance without drug testing, offering lucrative cash prizes, including US$1 million for breaking world records in the 100-metre sprint and 50-metre freestyle swim.

“I’m looking forward to this new chapter and competing at the Enhanced Games,” Kerley said. “The world record has always been the ultimate goal of my career. This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live.”

The report said swimming and track are the only sports announced for the competition, which will award US$250,000 to each event winner from a US$500,000 purse.

Kerley’s decision has sparked widespread debate online. While some fans have praised his boldness, others have condemned his involvement, calling athletes who enter the competition “disappointments” for embracing an event that permits performance-enhancing drug use.