The Enhanced Games, a controversial sporting event taking place in Las Vegas this Sunday, allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs that are banned in traditional sports. Participants, including Olympic medallists, are competing for substantial prize money, with some potentially earning over $1m.
Ukrainian swimmer Andriy Govorov, the 50m butterfly world record-holder, described his experience of taking banned drugs for the first time. 'I was anxious, to be honest,' he said. 'Because there’s no way back.' Govorov is among 42 athletes in the event, which includes swimming, athletics and weightlifting. Around half are Olympians, such as Britain's Ben Proud and American sprinter Fred Kerley.
The event has drawn criticism from anti-doping bodies. The World Anti-Doping Agency called it a 'dangerous and irresponsible concept', citing risks of serious long-term side-effects and even death from prohibited substances. However, Enhanced Games co-founder Christian Angermayer defended the event, arguing that medically supervised drug use is healthier than alcohol or cigarettes.
Angermayer, a German billionaire who made his fortune in bitcoin and biotech, believes human enhancement is a growing trend. He plans to sell prescription drugs like testosterone cream and human growth hormone through the event's website. Critics have linked the Games to right-wing politics due to early backers including Donald Trump Jr, but Angermayer denies any political affiliation.
The event promises world records and significant financial rewards for athletes, but traditional sports authorities remain deeply opposed. As the Enhanced Games begin, the debate over the role of drugs in sport continues to intensify.
