The announcement came on 17/9, just weeks after Kerley received a provisional suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for violating "whereabouts" rules. If found guilty of misconduct, he could face a minimum two-year ban.

Track and field athletes in the AIU or World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) testing pool must provide detailed daily schedules, including training locations, competition venues, accommodations, and specific time slots where they can be located. This allows testing teams to conduct unannounced doping tests. Kerley is currently suspended for not complying with these rules, not for directly using banned substances.

Fred Kerley wins the men's 100m gold at the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA on 17/7/2022. Photo: Reuters

Fred Kerley wins the men's 100m gold at the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA on 17/7/2022. Photo: Reuters

"Breaking the world record has always been the ultimate goal of my career," Kerley stated. "Now, I have the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest man on the planet." Under the Enhanced Games rules, Kerley will receive $1 million if he breaks Usain Bolt's record of 9.58 seconds.

Following the announcement, Kerley's management company, Pace Sports Management, which also represents legends Usain Bolt and Mo Farah, terminated his contract. Director Ricky Simms stated, "We are not involved in this agreement and no longer represent Kerley."

Born in 1995 in Texas, USA, Kerley is considered one of the few athletes capable of competing at the highest level in the 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints. At 6'3" with an ideal physique and remarkable strength, he is seen as a unique talent in the world of athletics.

Kerley began his career in the 400m, achieving a personal best of 43.64 seconds. He won the US championship and a gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2019 World Championships.

In 2021, Kerley shifted his focus to the 100m and 200m. Just a year later, he won the silver medal in the 100m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a time of 9.84 seconds. In 2022, Kerley became the 100m world champion in Eugene, USA, with a time of 9.86 seconds, the first American to win the title in 15 years. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kerley continued to assert his standing by winning the bronze medal in the 100m.

Fred Kerley celebrates after winning the men's 100m Diamond League at Silesian Stadium, Chorzow, Poland on 25/8/2024. Photo: Reuters

Fred Kerley celebrates after winning the men's 100m Diamond League at Silesian Stadium, Chorzow, Poland on 25/8/2024. Photo: Reuters

According to The Guardian, after recruiting Kerley and swimmer Ben Proud, the Olympic 50m freestyle silver medalist, the Enhanced Games organizers are continuing to approach several British sports stars to increase the event's appeal.

Scheduled to begin in 5/2026 in Las Vegas, the Enhanced Games promotes itself as "the future of sport," but is criticized by many organizations as "dangerous and irresponsible." The organizers have even filed an $800 million antitrust lawsuit against World Aquatics, USA Swimming, and WADA, accusing these organizations of illegally attempting to prevent the competition.

However, CEO Maximilian Martin stated, "Fred Kerley's participation demonstrates our growing appeal. The Enhanced Games will deliver the most exciting competitions on the planet."

Meanwhile, the AIU and WADA have condemned the competition. AIU President David Howman argued that Kerley has no rights related to athletics while suspended, comparing the Enhanced Games to "scenes from ancient Rome where spectators watched lions fight slaves."

AIU Chief Executive Brett Clothier called the competition abhorrent and expressed concern that the health of Kerley and other athletes would be seriously jeopardized. "I think they are being exploited," he said.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe declined to elaborate, emphasizing that World Athletics has increased revenue by 38% in the past four years and will allocate about $50 million in prize money in the next period to ensure athletes' rights.

Hong Duy (The Guardian)