Former Great Britain sprinter Reece Prescod has confirmed that he will not use performance-enhancing drugs despite signing up for the controversial Enhanced Games, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from 21–24 May 2026.
Prescod, 29, who retired from competitive athletics last year, is the fourth-fastest British man over 100m, boasting a personal best of 9.93 seconds. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World at One, he insisted he had not taken any substances and would not do so, placing preparation, technique, and natural performance ahead of chemical enhancements.
Prescod on Performance and Preparation
When asked directly if he had taken performance-enhancing drugs, Prescod replied:
“No. And will I? No.”
He added that his current focus is regaining sub-10-second form through traditional training methods.
“I’ve started my winter preparation like I normally would for an athletics season. Preparation and technique are the key factors in how successful I will be,” he said.
Despite the competitive nature of the Enhanced Games, which permits substances under medical supervision that are banned in mainstream sport, Prescod emphasized he will compete clean, maintaining his integrity as an athlete.
“I’ve competed for 12 or 15 years completely clean, with never any sort of violation. I’ve run below 10 seconds on quite a few occasions,” he said.
Enhanced Games Controversy
The Enhanced Games has sparked widespread debate and criticism in the athletics world. Unlike traditional competitions governed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the Enhanced Games allows athletes to use FDA-approved substances, which are not permitted in mainstream sport.
UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner described Prescod’s participation as “appalling”, warning that the competition could endanger athletes’ health and undermine fair play. Meanwhile, US Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart labelled the event a “clown show.”
Nevertheless, Prescod defended his decision, highlighting that athletes retain personal choice regarding substances. He noted that fellow participant Ben Proud, former British Olympic swimmer, had stated he was uncertain whether he would use any enhancements.
“People aren’t necessarily aware that’s actually a choice you have. Some athletes will be enhanced, some athletes will not,” Prescod explained.
Prescod’s Motivation for Joining
Despite retiring last year due to a lack of funding and support, Prescod said he still has “a few years left in me on the track” and welcomed the chance to compete again.
“I retired because there was a lack of support for me. As a 100m athlete, it’s not a cheap sport. You need funding for your coach, travel, and support staff. It’s like going to work full-time and not having a salary – you just can’t do it,” he said.
Prescod views the Enhanced Games as an opportunity to re-engage with competitive sprinting, while staying within the bounds of clean competition.
What Are the Enhanced Games?
The Enhanced Games, first held in Las Vegas in 2025, are billed as a celebration of “human potential through safe, transparent enhancement”, promising record pay, athlete care, and open competition. The event allows substances banned by WADA but approved by the US FDA.
- Past participants include US sprinter Fred Kerley, Australian swimmer James Magnussen, and Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who reportedly earned $1 million for breaking a world record in a 50m freestyle time trial.
- Performances at the event are not recognised by World Athletics or World Aquatics, meaning records set there do not count in official statistics.
Prescod, while intrigued by the potential of enhancements, insisted that training and technique remain his priority, describing the potential use of substances as “icing on the cake” rather than the foundation of sprinting success.
“I know I’m capable of having a certain level of speed. The enhancements are there if that’s the option you want to take, but that’s not my path,” he said.
Summary
- Reece Prescod, retired GB sprinter, will compete clean in the Enhanced Games 2026.
- He is the fourth-fastest Briton over 100m with a PB of 9.93s.
- Enhanced Games allows FDA-approved substances, creating controversy over health and fairness.
- Prescod emphasizes preparation, technique, and experience over chemical enhancement.
- Fellow athletes, including Ben Proud, may choose whether or not to use substances.
Prescod’s participation highlights a growing debate in athletics over ethics, health, and innovation in performance sports, while also giving a platform for retired athletes to return to competition under new rules.
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