FRED KERLEY will attempt to break Usain Bolt’s 100 metres world record — and he can use drugs in his attempt.
The American sprinter is the highest-profile star and first from his nation to join the Enhanced Games, where doping will be permitted.
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Two-time Olympic medallist Kerley, 30, became world champion in Eugene in 2022 and has run as fast as 9.76 seconds.
He is the first non-swimmer to join the line-up for the event, which is advertised as an alternative athletics event meant to push athletes to their limits by allowing competitors to use traditionally banned performance-enhancing substances.
Last week, it was announced that Kerley had been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for alleged whereabouts violations, an anti-doping provision requiring athletes to update governing bodies of their location for anti-doping testing.
If found guilty of violating the regulations he could be set for a two-year ban from track and field events.
He is not competing in the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Kerley initially released a statement saying he was intent on fighting the suspension, but it is uncertain how his joining of the Enhanced Games will affect this position.
“I’m looking forward to this new chapter and competing at the Enhanced Games.”
“The world record has always been the ultimate goal of my career.
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“This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live.”
Kerley’s agents, Pace Sports Management, have said they no longer represent the sprinter following the announcement and have distanced themselves from the deal.
The organisers are hunting the elusive 100m world record, and there is a $1million bonus on the table if he goes quicker than Usain Bolt did in Berlin in 2009.
Enhanced Games CEO Maximillian Martin said: “We are thrilled to see such an elite track athlete like Fred join the Enhanced Games, and pursue breaking a world record that hasn’t been touched in 16 years.”
Kerley follows in the footsteps of British Olympic medallist swimmer Ben Proud, 30, who was announced to have joined with the organisation last week.
They are planning to host their first event in Las Vegas next year at a purpose-built event space.
