In a statement, UKA said it did not recognise the Enhanced Games as a “legitimate sporting competition” and said it “places athletes’ health and welfare at serious risk”.
UKA added it was “disappointed” by Prescod’s decision to take part, stating that “any event that promotes or permits the use of harmful substances with the aim of pushing the human body to its limit for short-term goals is not sport as we value it”.
“Over the years British athletes have experienced the devastating impact of doping, through losing the opportunities afforded from winning major medals, receiving recognition only years later, or by having medals removed, so it is disappointing to see a former team member demonstrate disregard in this manner,” it added.
“UKA’s clean athletics policy is clear: doping and the use of prohibited substances or methods will not be tolerated.
“While Reece Prescod is no longer part of the UKA performance system, his decision to associate with an event that directly contravenes both our policy and the World Anti-Doping Code is unacceptable.
“Generations of British athletes have built their reputations on talent, dedication, and integrity. The Enhanced Games stands in direct opposition to those values.”
Prescod, who was British 100m champion in 2017 and 2018, defended his decision to sign up by saying: “The Enhanced medical team is top-tier and has prioritised 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.”
Chris Jones, chief communications officer for the Enhanced Games, said: “We are delighted to welcome an international sprinter of Reece’s calibre to the Enhanced team, and we look forward to having him compete this coming May in Las Vegas.
“Enhanced’s mission is to deliver transparency and unmatched health safety by removing the stigma of enhancement – bringing its responsible usage into the light, within an approved medical framework, and one that protects athletes who would otherwise risk their health by operating in the dark to circumvent punitive structures in place today.
“Contrary to the breathless and inaccurate assertions made about the Enhanced Games, our athletes are empowered to choose whether to enhance under sustained clinical supervision using legal substances currently approved for use in the United States.”
