The Enhanced Games, a controversial new sports event taking place in Las Vegas this Sunday, 24 May, permits athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs that are prohibited in mainstream competitions. The event, held at a specially built 2,500-seat arena at Resorts World, features 42 athletes competing in swimming, track and field, weightlifting, and strongman events, followed by a concert from the Killers.
What Is the Enhanced Games?
The Enhanced Games is a sporting event that allows athletes to take substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), such as testosterone, anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and stimulants like Adderall. Organizers claim that only FDA-approved drugs are permitted, and they emphasize medical monitoring through an International Review Board trial involving 37 of the 42 athletes.
Notable Athletes Involved
High-profile participants include British swimmer Ben Proud, a silver medalist in the 50m freestyle at the Paris Games; Ukrainian world record holder Andriy Govorov; Australian former world champion James Magnussen; and American 2022 world 100m champion Fred Kerley. Other British competitors include sprinter Reece Prescod and swimmer Emily Barclay. Two athletes, including double Olympic gold medalist Hunter Armstrong, are competing without enhancement.
Justification and Criticism
The Enhanced Games argues that its approach is more transparent than traditional sports, where doping often goes undetected. They claim athletes undergo frequent medical screenings. However, WADA dismisses the event as a "dangerous and irresponsible concept," warning of serious health risks and potential fatalities from banned substances. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, called it "bollocks," and US Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart labeled it a "dangerous clown show."
Prizes and Records
Athletes receive yearly salaries and appearance fees, with a $500,000 prize pool per event. Winners breaking world records earn an additional $250,000, except in the 50m freestyle and 100m sprint, where the bonus is $1 million. While swimming records may fall due to polyurethane speed suits, these marks will not be official. Last year, swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev unofficially broke the 50m freestyle world record under Enhanced Games rules.
Where to Watch
The Enhanced Games will be live-streamed on Roku in the US and globally on its YouTube channel on Sunday evening local time.
Broader Context
Beyond sports, the event aims to market performance-enhancing drugs and supplements, tapping into the booming anti-aging market. Organizers hope the exposure will drive sales of their products, many of which are not yet FDA-approved.
