UK Athletics chief 'appalled' as sprinter Prescod joins Enhanced Games

LONDON, Jan 7 : Former ‌British sprinter Reece Prescod has come out of retirement to take part in the controversial Enhanced Games, a decision the head of UK Athletics described on Wednesday as "appalling".

The 29-year-old former British 100 metres champion, who took part in three World Championships and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, called time on his career in August.

Prescod, however, said he was "very proud" to be joining the event which allows athletes to take performance-enhancing substances and which kicks off with its inaugural edition in Las Vegas in May.

"I'm eager to push ‌myself to new heights in Las Vegas and race against my fellow sprinters," ‌the Londoner said.

"This is a new chapter for me, and I'm excited to be part of something where I feel valued and talent is recognised."

Prescod is the second British athlete to join the Enhanced Games after Olympic swimmer Ben Proud.

UKA CHIEF SAYS DECISION IS PROFOUNDLY DISAPPOINTING

UKA chief executive Jack Buckner said: "As a former athlete, I find this particularly appalling. Those of us who have competed know what it takes to succeed the right way - through talent, dedication, and ‍respect for the rules.

"To see a British athlete aligning themselves with an event that celebrates the use of performance-enhancing drugs is profoundly disappointing."

UKA does not recognise the Enhanced Games as a legitimate competition, saying it undermines the integrity of competition and places athletes' health and welfare at serious risk.

"UKA's Clean Athletics Policy is clear: doping and the use of prohibited substances ​or methods will not be tolerated," the ‌organisation said in a statement. "While Reece Prescod is no longer part of the UKA performance system, his decision to associate with