The controversial Enhanced Games, a privately funded sports venture that openly permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, has moved from abstract debate to uncomfortable reality for Jamaica, following confirmation that two Jamaican athletes have committed to the inaugural staging in Las Vegas on May 24.
The competition, which will include weightlifting, swimming, and track and field sans the usual anti-doping regulations, has officially identified sprinters Shockoria Wallace and Denae McFarlane as contestants. Jamaica’s athletics authority, anti-doping officials, and government leaders have swiftly and forcefully responded to their involvement, warning that the Games endanger athlete welfare, the country’s reputation, and the fundamental basis of clean sport.
Wallace, a 32-year-old former MVP Track Club athlete, became the first Jamaican to sign up when she confirmed her participation earlier this month. McFarlane followed soon after, with organisers announcing her inclusion via social media as part of a new group of competitors.
The Enhanced Games brand themselves as “a global annual competition that celebrates human potential through safe, transparent enhancement”, offering world-record bonuses of up to US$1 million. Athletes may compete either “naturally” or while using banned substances under medical supervision, a premise that has drawn sharp criticism from governing bodies worldwide.
Among the most vocal critics is Dr Warren Blake, former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and long-time physician to national teams.
“I’m a bit disappointed that a Jamaican has chosen to enter the Enhanced Games,” Blake said in a published interview. “I think she saw an opportunity to make some money… This is really an opportunity for her to earn some money.”
Blake warned that the participation of Jamaican athletes lends credibility to an event he believes is deeply flawed and potentially harmful.
The orthopaedic specialist went further, questioning the organisers’ stated commitment to athlete safety.
He cautioned that while some performance-enhancing drugs may appear safe in the short term, their long-term consequences can be devastating.
“They have long-term, bad side effects for the athletes, and they will destroy the athlete’s health over time,” Blake warned. “It is wrong to be encouraging athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs.”
Wallace, whose personal best of 11.09 seconds was set in 2023, has publicly defended her decision, stating in a social media video that the Games provide opportunities many athletes no longer find in mainstream sport.
“They do provide a lot for athletes, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be working with them,” she said. “I will be racing down that track to break the world record and win a grand prize of US$1 million. I am excited.”
She has also insisted that participation does not require drug use.
“There is literally no pressure for athletes to take enhancements,” Wallace said. “They gave us the choice to compete naturally or to compete enhanced while under medical supervision.”
However, any performances or records achieved at the Enhanced Games will not be recognised by World Athletics or other traditional sporting bodies.
Jamaica’s official position could not be clearer. Speaking at the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission’s (JADCO) Annual Symposium in St Andrew, Sports Minister Olivia Grange delivered a firm rejection of the Games.
“As a WADA Foundation Board member and a proud Jamaican, I cannot, and we cannot, endorse the hosting of or participation in the Enhanced Games,” Grange said. “We are about clean sport. We’re not about enhanced performances.”
Other officials in the track and field community have also expressed their disdain and concerns about the event, following the Minister of Sport’s forceful criticism of the new era of athletics. JAAA First Vice-President Ian Forbes stated during a panel discussion that players nearing the conclusion of their careers are mostly motivated by money.
“I think it’s the potential financial gain from it,” Forbes said. “Most of these athletes are in the twilight of their careers… It’s strictly financial.”
Forbes urged athletes to consider alternative pathways instead of associating with doping-permissive competitions.
World Athletics Coaches’ Commission member David Riley echoed concerns about reputation and long-term consequences.
“Some athletes might be doing it for fame,” Riley said. “But association with the competition wouldn’t necessarily be best for your long-term reputation… To see this idea come to reality is troubling.”
International regulating bodies have already taken action. In 2025, World Aquatics passed a bylaw prohibiting competitors from endorsing or taking part in events that allow the use of banned substances. Public opposition to the Games has also come from World Athletics.