Reece Prescod Joins Enhanced Games Despite UKA Concerns

Former Great Britain sprinter Reece Prescod has sparked controversy by joining the Enhanced Games, a sporting event that permits the controlled use of performance-enhancing drugs, under medical supervision. The news comes just five months after Prescod retired from competitive athletics last August.

Prescod, 29, who is the fourth fastest British man over 100m with a personal best of 9.93 seconds, announced he is eager to compete in Las Vegas when the inaugural Enhanced Games takes place on 24 May 2026.

“I’m very excited to join the sprinting field and compete in the inaugural Enhanced Games,” Prescod said in a statement. “I’m eager to push myself to new heights in Las Vegas and race against my fellow sprinters. This is a new chapter for me, and I’m excited to be part of something where I feel valued and talent is recognised.”

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UK Athletics Responds

UK Athletics (UKA) chief executive Jack Buckner expressed shock and disapproval over the decision. “As a former athlete, I find this particularly appalling. Those of us who have competed know what it takes to succeed the right way – through talent, dedication, and respect for the rules. To see a British athlete aligning themselves with an event that celebrates the use of performance-enhancing drugs is profoundly disappointing.”

UKA emphasised that it does not recognise the Enhanced Games as a legitimate sporting competition, warning that the event places athletes’ health and welfare at serious risk. The organisation highlighted the importance of fair play and clean sport, noting the devastating legacy doping has had on British athletes.

“While Reece Prescod is no longer part of the UKA performance system, his decision to associate with an event that directly contravenes both our policy and the World Anti-Doping Code is unacceptable,” UKA said.

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Prescod’s Career and Achievements

Prescod, who was British 100m champion in 2017 and 2018, has represented Great Britain at three World Championships and at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, reaching the 100m semi-finals. His retirement last year appeared to mark the end of his elite sprinting career, making his announcement to compete in the Enhanced Games even more surprising.

The sprinter defended his decision by citing the event’s medical supervision and safety protocols. “The Enhanced medical team is top-tier and has prioritised my safety and well-being from the start. Enhanced has provided me with life-changing medical supervision, exceptional training support, and a fantastic compensation model,” he said.

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About the Enhanced Games

The Enhanced Games launched in 2023 as a new type of competition permitting certain performance-enhancing substances under clinical supervision. Only substances approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are allowed, differing from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list for elite athletes.

Events will initially include sprinting, swimming, and weightlifting, with prize money and appearance fees offered to participants. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev famously received $1m (£739,000) for a 50m freestyle world-record-beating performance in February 2025, although the result was not recognised by World Aquatics.

The initiative has drawn widespread criticism, with WADA labelling it a “dangerous and irresponsible project,” and USADA chief Travis Tygart dismissing it as a “clown show.”

Prescod joins Olympic swimmer Ben Proud as the second British athlete to commit to the Enhanced Games. While Proud maintains that his participation does not undermine clean sport, the UKA and wider athletics community have raised concerns about the event’s impact on integrity, health, and the reputation of British athletes.