Enhanced Games sets multimillion prize for breaking Usain Bolt's 100m record

The much-debated Enhanced Games have intensified scrutiny ahead of their first edition after confirming a $1 million (about Kshs160 million) bonus for any athlete who eclipses Usain Bolt’s iconic 100m world record.

Set for May debut in Las Vegas, the event is positioning itself as a lucrative alternative to traditional elite sport.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Organizers are offering appearance fees, prize money of up to $250,000 (approximately Kshs 40 million) per event, and the headline bonus for breaking Bolt’s 9.58-second benchmark.

Among the early sign-ups is British sprinter Reece Prescod, who has reversed his retirement decision just a year after stepping away from professional athletics at 29.

Prescod had previously stated that he intended to focus on coaching and grassroots development, making his return to competition one of the biggest talking points surrounding the new Games.

The Briton joins a growing list of high-profile athletes, with American former world champion Fred Kerley also reportedly part of the sprint lineup.

Sprint couple Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield reveal wedding date

Speaking after confirming his participation, Prescod said he was motivated by the structure and support offered by the organizers.

“I am very excited to join the sprinting field and compete in the inaugural Enhanced Games.

The enhanced medical team is top-tier and has prioritized 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 told Athletics Weekly.

Prescod further described the move as “a new chapter,” adding that he felt valued in an environment where talent is recognized.

Millions World Athletics has donated to Jamaica to aid Hurricane Melissa victims

A former British 100m champion in 2017, Prescod enjoyed one of the highlights of his career at the 2018 European Championships, where he won silver behind fellow Briton Zharnel Hughes.

His personal best of 9.93 seconds, recorded in Ostrava in 2022, ranks him fourth on the UK all-time list.

Despite his raw speed, injuries and inconsistency often disrupted his progress. He previously admitted that lifestyle issues, including poor diet and late-night gaming, affected his build-up to the Tokyo Olympics.

The announcement, however, has been met with strong opposition from UK Athletics (UKA).

Chief executive Jack Buckner was particularly scathing, criticizing both the concept of the Games and Prescod’s involvement.

“As a former athlete, I find this particularly appalling. To see a British athlete aligning themselves with an event that celebrates the use of performance-enhancing drugs is profoundly disappointing,” Buckner said.

The Enhanced Games openly permit the use of substances banned under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, a policy that has drawn widespread condemnation from sporting bodies and medical professionals.

Kenyan athlete slapped with two-year doping ban

Critics argue the project threatens athlete health and undermines the integrity of competitive sport.

In addition to sprinting, the Las Vegas program will include swimming and weightlifting.

British Olympic silver medalist swimmer Ben Proud is among those confirmed, with organizers confirming that 21 athletes have signed contracts so far, with the number expected to rise to nearly 50 before the Games begin.