British Sprinter Reveals Financial Struggles Behind Enhanced Games Move as he Commits to Clean Competition

Former Great Britain sprinter Reece Prescod has confirmed he will not use performance-enhancing drugs, despite signing up for the controversial Enhanced Games.

The competition, scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas, controversially permits athletes to use substances banned in mainstream sports, provided they are under medical supervision.

Prescod, who retired last year, is the fourth-fastest British man in history over 100m with a personal best of 9.93 seconds.

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In an interview with BBC Radio 4's "World at One," the 29-year-old was asked directly if he had taken any banned substances. He replied, "No." When pressed on whether he would in the future, he gave the same answer: "No."

"Obviously, medical-wise it's always confidential, but I think for me right now the biggest priority is getting back into that sub-10 shape," Prescod added.

The Enhanced Games have drawn sharp criticism for potentially endangering athletes' health and undermining the principles of fair play.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has labelled it a "dangerous and irresponsible project." The event will only permit substances approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a list that differs from WADA's regulations for elite athletes.

UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner expressed his dismay in January, stating he was "appalled" by Prescod's decision to join. However, Prescod insists that participants, including former British Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, have a "personal choice" regarding enhancements.

"People aren't necessarily aware that's actually a choice you have. Some athletes will be enhanced, some athletes will not be enhanced," Prescod explained. "I've started my winter preparation like I normally would for an athletics season."

When questioned if competing clean would put him at a disadvantage, Prescod highlighted his long career competing without violations. "I've competed [for] 12 or 15 years completely clean with never any sort of violation," he said, noting he has run sub-10 seconds on multiple occasions.

While he admitted the "prospect" of enhancement is "definitely exciting," he described it as "more the icing on the cake" rather than the foundation of his preparation. He emphasised that technique and training remain the key factors in achieving success.

"I know I'm capable of having a certain level of speed," he stated. "But again, the medical team that we have is very good and the enhancements are there if that's the option you want to take."

Prescod's decision to join the event stemmed from a lack of financial support after his retirement. "I retired because there was a lack of support for me," he revealed.

"I asked the sponsors in the industry, I sent multiple emails, spoke to all the agents, and said was there any opportunity for me to continue and the answer was 'no'."

He described the financial burden of competing at an elite level, saying, "It's like going to work full-time and not having a salary. You just can't do it."

Meanwhile, the Enhanced Games are planned as an annual event starting in May 2026. It has been heavily criticised by figures such as Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, who called it a "clown show."

The event promises appearance fees and prize money, with athletes like US sprinter Fred Kerley and Australian former world champion swimmer James Magnussen also signing on.

Organisers have already awarded a $1 million prize to Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev for unofficially breaking a world record, a time not recognised by World Aquatics.