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Kerley wins 100m at Enhanced Games in Las Vegas

PUBLISHED May 23, 2026, 4:16 PM ET

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LAS VEGAS — Fred Kerley, the 2022 100-meter world champion, ran 9.97 seconds to win the Enhanced Games 100m on Sunday in Las Vegas. The event permits FDA-approved performance enhancers; Kerley said he competed drug-free, was one of four non-enhanced sprinters, and reaffirmed his intention to pursue a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. On the same night, swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev posted a 20.81 50-meter freestyle and received a $1 million bonus from Enhanced, though those marks will not be ratified by global athletics authorities. Kerley has a two-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit for missed tests that lasts until August 2027; organizers maintain enhancements were optional and say the meet remains promotional.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022: Kerley wins the 100m world championship and later shifts focus from 400m to 100m.
Post-pandemic: Kerley signs with the Enhanced Games, a new Las Vegas event permitting FDA-approved enhancements.
Approximately six months after signing: Athletics Integrity Unit issues Kerley a two-year ban for missed tests.
Sunday (Las Vegas): Kerley runs 9.97 to win the Enhanced Games 100m; Kristian Gkolomeev swims 20.81 and receives $1 million.
Kerley states he will pursue participation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics; official bodies will not ratify Enhanced Games marks.

News Intelligence

The Enhanced Games are changing the sports landscape. They allow FDA-approved performance enhancers, which could impact future events. If you're a sports fan, this could alter the competition you're used to seeing. Keep an eye on how official bodies respond.

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Who Benefited

Enhanced Games organizers and participating athletes who accepted event incentives benefited through publicity and prize money, notably Kristian Gkolomeev receiving a $1 million bonus and Fred Kerley drawing major attention to the new event.

Who Impacted

Traditional athletics governing bodies and sanctioned competition standards face reputational and regulatory pressure as the Enhanced Games stage high-profile results that will not be ratified by international record-keeping authorities.

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