Kerley runs 9.97 at Enhanced Games, where Kristian Gkolomeev gets a $1M bonus
LAS VEGAS — The Enhanced Games took place in Las Vegas, where sprinter Fred Kerley won the 100-meter race with a time of 9.97 seconds. Despite Kerley’s bold prediction that Usain Bolt’s world record would be broken, his time would have placed him last at the Paris Olympics. The event, held in a specially built stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, saw Kristian Gkolomeev swim the 50-meter free in 20.81 seconds, earning him a $1 million bonus for going faster than the world record.
The Enhanced Games allows the use of performance-enhancing drugs, leading to record-breaking performances that are not recognized in mainstream sports. Gkolomeev had previously won a $1 million bonus for swimming faster than the world record during a trial event.
While Kerley made headlines by challenging Bolt’s record, the race itself was marred by multiple false starts and delays. Despite the setbacks, Kerley emerged victorious and took home the first-place prize of $250,000.
The Enhanced Games has attracted top athletes with the promise of substantial financial rewards. However, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of performance enhancers and the level of competition in the league. Winners like Tristan Evelyn, who claimed not to be taking drugs, posted times that were significantly slower than world records.
Overall, the event saw 14 personal bests set by 12 athletes in swimming and weightlifting. Despite falling short of world records, athletes like Ben Proud, a British Olympic silver medalist, came close to breaking records in their respective events.
In the end, Kerley expressed frustration with the race conditions and hinted at the need for better training. The Enhanced Games continues to push the boundaries of sports and performance enhancement, attracting investors and public interest.
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