The decision by former British sprinter Reece Prescod to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games has been met with fierce condemnation from the leadership of UK Athletics.
Strong Condemnation from UK Athletics Chief
Jack Buckner, the Chief Executive of UK Athletics and a former Olympic long-distance runner, has issued a powerful statement describing Prescod's move as "appalling" and "profoundly disappointing". Buckner emphasised the values of clean sport, stating that true success comes from talent, dedication, and respect for the rules.
Prescod, a silver medallist at the 2018 European Championships and a competitor at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, announced his retirement in August last year. He recently told The Times that he was "very excited" to join the sprinting field of the Enhanced Games.
What Are the Enhanced Games?
The Enhanced Games is a proposed sporting event that openly permits athletes to use performance-enhancing substances. These substances must be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are taken under strict supervision. The concept directly challenges the foundational anti-doping principles upheld by mainstream global sport.
Prescod is not the first British athlete to sign up. In September 2025, Olympic silver medallist swimmer Ben Proud became the first from the UK to announce his participation.
UK Athletics' Firm Stance on Clean Sport
In an official statement, UK Athletics made its position unequivocally clear. The governing body does not recognise the Enhanced Games as a legitimate sporting competition.
The statement argued that any event promoting the use of harmful substances to push the human body to its limits for short-term glory undermines the integrity of competition and poses a serious risk to athlete welfare. It highlighted the devastating historical impact of doping on British athletes, including lost medals and recognition.
"UKA’s Clean Athletics Policy is clear: doping and the use of prohibited substances or methods will not be tolerated," the statement read. It concluded that while Prescod is no longer part of their performance system, his association with an event that contravenes the World Anti-Doping Code is unacceptable.
This controversy places a sharp focus on the ongoing battle for the soul of competitive sport, pitting a new, radical model against the established ethics of fair play and athlete safety.
