Jamaica’s sporting establishment has delivered a powerful collective rebuke against the controversial Enhanced Games, reinforcing the nation’s unwavering commitment to drug-free athletic competition. The unified stance emerged during Thursday’s annual symposium hosted by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) in St. Andrew, where prominent figures including Sport Minister Olivia Grange, coaching authority David Riley, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Vice-President Ian Forbes, and JADCO Chairperson Debby-Ann Brown Salmon unanimously condemned the scheduled Las Vegas event that permits performance-enhancing substances.
The symposium gained particular significance following recent revelations that Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace became the nation’s first athlete to register for the privately funded competition, which offers substantial financial incentives for record-breaking performances achieved through medically supervised doping. This development prompted former JAAA president Dr. Warren Blake to publicly question the event’s safety protocols and competitive credibility earlier this week.
Minister Grange, addressing attendees as special guest speaker, articulated Jamaica’s official position with unmistakable clarity: ‘As a WADA foundation board member overseeing Jamaica’s anti-doping framework, I cannot endorse participation in the Enhanced Games. This concept contradicts everything we champion at JADCO and as signatories to international anti-doping conventions. We are unequivocally about clean sport, not enhanced performances.’
Grange elevated the discussion beyond regulatory compliance, framing clean competition as fundamental to national identity: ‘We must perceive clean sport as a matter of national character intertwined with our development. Integrity, fairness and discipline define our people and must permeate our sporting culture. Upholding these principles safeguards our global reputation and strengthens the foundation of our athletic excellence.’
During subsequent panel discussions, Forbes identified financial motivation as the primary driver for athlete participation: ‘The potential monetary gain appears the overarching factor. While financial rewards might seem lucrative, most considering participation are athletes nearing career conclusions. This pursuit jeopardizes their legacy and our nation’s sporting integrity.’
Riley acknowledged the event’s potential spectacle value but expressed concern about long-term repercussions: ‘Some athletes might pursue fame or competitive advantage unattainable in clean sport. However, association with such competitions could permanently damage professional reputations regardless of actual substance use.’
Brown Salmon emphasized the dangerous trade-off between short-term gains and lasting consequences: ‘While new platforms and rewards seem attractive, participation undermines principles we’ve tirelessly upheld. Athletes risk their reputations, future eligibility, and most importantly, their nation’s trust. This jeopardizes both personal legacy and Jamaica’s sporting integrity.’
The Jamaican position aligns with international governing bodies including World Athletics and World Aquatics, the latter having implemented 2025 regulations banning athletes who participate in events embracing prohibited substances from its competitions.