LAS VEGAS, United States — A 60-metre sprinter from the United States has become the first female track athlete to join the controversial Enhanced Games.

Shania Collins, a 29-year-old sprinter who won gold at the USA Indoor Championships in the 60m, said in an Enhanced Games press release Wednesday:

“I believe the Enhanced Games are changing the conversation about what’s possible for athletes like me,” said Collins. “I’m grateful for the incredible medical supervision, training, nutrition, recovery support and athlete compensation I’m receiving, and I can’t wait to sprint on the strip in Vegas this coming May.”

Collins previously medalled in the Pan American Games (bronze) and the African Games (silver).

She joins several other sprinters, including Liberia’s fastest man over 100 metres, Emmanuel Matadi, the United States’ Fred Kerley and France’s Mouhamadou Fall

The Enhanced Games, which are at odds with the traditional stance on doping in international competition, claim to celebrate human potential through safe, transparent enhancement while offering record payment.

World Aquatics has announced outright that any swimmers, coaches or officials who involve themselves in the events will be expelled as the governing body does not wish to align itself with the promotion of doping.

While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has not shared plans for similar action, it has openly frowned on the event, warning that participation in it could ruin athletes’ reputations.

Enhanced Games has filed an $800m lawsuit against the two agencies and USA Swimming, claiming that they are unlawfully discouraging athletes from participating in the event set for Las Vegas in 2026.