Enhanced Games: British runner Reece Prescod is ‘not against’ taking drugs to compete

When asked how he would feel if he took some of the available medications — which include steroids, growth hormone and testosterone — Prescod said: “It’s very confusing, if I’m honest.”

“Obviously I’ve stuck to the rules throughout my career. I’ve never had any kind of violations or missed exams or anything like that.

“If this is the journey I’m on with the improvements here and I’m running so fast, it’ll be interesting to see how fast I can run with the extra help.”

During three months of training in the UAE, 39 track, swimming and weightlifting athletes will be offered performance-enhancing drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Organizers say competitors will undergo rigorous medical assessments at a hospital on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, and claim the event – which has a $25 million prize pool and offers an appearance fee and bonuses of up to $1 million for breaking a world record – will provide transparency and health safety by removing the stigma of improv.

But it has also been condemned by a range of sporting and anti-doping bodies for normalizing it, endangering the health of athletes, and damaging the integrity of the sport.

Last year, World Aquatics became the first international sports federation to ban athletes, coaches and officials from its events if they participate in enhanced sports.

When asked if he was concerned about any long-term side effects that could harm his health, Prescod said: “With anything in life, any type of medication, there is always a risk in this type of situation.

“I trust the doctors and I trust what’s going on here.”

The fourth fastest British man in the 100m, with a personal best of 9.93 seconds, Prescod says the prospect of financial security was a major factor in his decision. But he was criticized by UK Athletics, which said it was “disappointed” by the runner’s entry.

He said: “Obviously there was some controversy over the decision and I can understand that everyone has the right to their opinion, but in the end this is my decision, and I will stick to it.”

“Maybe they would be better off actually talking to all the athletes and trying to improve the service provided to them. They need to focus on improving that.

“What people don’t necessarily understand is that enhanced gaming has a different look. It’s a different entity, where we have our own rules.”