KINGSTON, Jamaica — Denae McFarlane has become the second Jamaican athlete to sign up for the controversial Enhanced Games, joining fellow sprinter Shockoria Wallace in committing to the inaugural staging of the event in Las Vegas later this year.

The Enhanced Games confirmed McFarlane’s inclusion on Instagram as part of a group of five new athletes announced to compete in athletics and swimming at the May 24 event, which will be held at Resorts World Las Vegas.

McFarlane, a Jamaican runner, was listed alongside Guyanese athlete Jasmine Abrams in the track and field category, while swimmers Antani Ivanov of Bulgaria, Miguel De Lara Ojeda of Mexico, and Emily Barclay of Great Britain were also unveiled as new competitors.

The announcement comes weeks after Wallace, a 32-year-old 100-metre sprinter, became the first Jamaican to sign up for the Games.

READ: First Jamaican signs up for controversial Enhanced Games

The Enhanced Games, which describe themselves as an elite sports competition and performance products company, will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs if they choose, a central feature that has drawn sharp criticism from major sporting organisations.

The organisers have promised substantial prize money, including world record bonuses of up to US$1 million, in a bid to attract high-profile athletes across several disciplines.

However, the concept has been strongly opposed by governing bodies such as World Athletics and World Aquatics, who have raised concerns about athlete welfare and the integrity of sport. World Aquatics introduced a bylaw in 2025 banning individuals who support, endorse or participate in events that permit prohibited substances or methods from competing in its sanctioned competitions.