When Fred Kerley announced his association with the Enhanced Games set for 2026 in Las Vegas, it raised many eyebrows. Why would the seventh fastest man in history join hands with an event that allows the use of PEDs openly? What would happen to his career with the USATF? And then comes the worst! Why would Kerley, who is already suspended by AIU for anti-doping whereabouts violation and has appealed for his innocence, participate in a controversial event that stands against everything that USADA does? Of course, he might have his reasons, but the decision has left many disappointed, including Olympians Donovan Bailey and Kate van Buskirk.

Yesterday, the two Canadians sat down for an interview with CBC Sports’ Perdita Felicien to discuss Fred Kerley’s move to Enhanced Games. When the host asked about their reactions, Bailey, who is a 50m world record holder, 2x Olympic champion, and 3x World Champion, did not mince words. He directly judged Kerley, saying, “Well, I’m surprised. Most people might say that they’re not surprised, but I am surprised. I mean, I like Fred Kerley, let’s start there. I think Fred is one of the greatest sprinters today. Sub-44, sub-20, and sub-10 seconds… so, I was surprised. But the question that I ask is, ‘Why?’ I mean, is it the money? Clearly, the answer’s gonna be the money.”

Kerley has amassed multiple personal bests across the boards, including 9.76 in 100m, 19.76 in 200m, and 43.64 in 400m. However, after his suspension by AIU for missing three tests in a 12-month period and then eliminating himself from the Tokyo World Championships by not participating in the qualifying competitions in Eugene, the 30-year-old didn’t have any other option but to go for it. He still wants to compete. And financially, like everyone, he has to pay bills too. But it is important to note that the British swimmer, Ben Proud, signed up with the Enhanced Games too.

In fact, it came after the World Aquatics — swimming’s global governing body — confirmed that any athlete, coach, or official would be banned from participating in their events if they had endorsed or competed in the Enhanced Games. The notice from June stated that this road would be a one-way street. Still, enticed by the money, Proud joined hands with them. He is currently at the height of his career, which includes a silver medal in his first Olympics and his fifth World Athletics Championship title in August. But this path would ban him from participating in future events by the World Aquatics, including the 2028 Olympics in LA.

However, Enhanced Games’ offer is mouthwatering too. Set for May 24, 2026, at Resorts World in Las Vegas, breaking a world record at the Enhanced Games could bring $1M bonus apart from 250,000 for the winners. For Kerley, Usain Bolt’s untouched world record of 9.58 seconds would be the goal. But, of course, with the use of PEDs. But his words came out quite clear when he said, “The World Record has always been the ultimate goal of my career. This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live.” According to Bailey, Kerley cannot break Bolt’s untouched record. Now, the American’s elimination is a question on everyone’s minds.

Bailey’s questions piled on as he asked, “Is he then retired now? Has he eliminated himself from the whereabouts program? Is he no longer going to answer to the IOC, the IAAF? Is he no longer gonna answer to his federation? Really, how much money is going to take away from the fact that you’re still young and 2028 is the Olympics in Los Angeles and it’s your home Olympics. So, there’s a thousand questions.”

Kate van Buskirk wasn’t exactly on board with Kerley’s pivot either. She said, “So, you’re going to be eliminated from, in many cases, your federation’s team ever again. In the case of the United States, the Olympics are coming up in LA. What a point of pride. What an opportunity to compete on the home scene, to be able to represent your country. That’s gone. This being vilified by many federations. You’re never gonna be able to compete… It’s not about vilifying the athletes. It’s about a safe sport issue at its core,” she lamented.

While there has been no official statement from the IOC, USATF, or WA over Kerley, all three of them have clenched their fists against the Enhanced Games. Section 8.1 of the USOPC anti-doping policy strictly prohibits the use of PEDs, and the chances are that the moment Fred races in these games, he will be banned.

The only pro of Enhanced games is the money. Donovan hopes it better be worth it, “I understand sprinting and money in sprinting. I don’t know what his contract is. At his age, I hope it’s $5 million, not $500,000, because he’s got a long life to go…a half a million dollars now and then what? Like, where do you go?…if you’re if you’re here and you’re shutting every door that’s possible for you to earn a living in the future… let’s just say that he goes in and it goes well, first of all, you can’t go back and compete, so your life as an athlete is done. So you have a job as a coach. No one’s going to hire you for real money because of the stain that’s coming,” the Olympian said.

The sport itself has a long history, and most elite athletes compete cleanly. But he did say, “The fact is that Fred is saying, ‘Hey, I’m going to cheat.’ He’s eliminating himself from being considered one of the best.” Bailey delivered strongly, asserting that anyone who intentionally uses steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs should be permanently barred from competing in their sport and should also be prohibited from coaching or mentoring young athletes. But what about the other side of the coin? Kerley’s side.

“One day they gon look back and understand my choice it was never about chasing no approval it was about freedom about protecting my spirit my kids my family my future the crowd gon cheer and fade the people gon praise and forget but what I build what I guard what I sacrifice for that’s forever the only way to win is protect yourself and move with purpose,” he tweeted a few days ago. $500,000 is a lot of money for a track and field athlete, but as Donovan pointed out, not enough for a lifetime. The World Championships only offer $70,000 if you win gold in any individual event, and a world record can bring an extra $100,000—but that’s it. So, is the risk worth the money?