James Magnussen's attempt to win $1.4 million by breaking a world record at the Enhanced Games has ended in disaster as he finished last in the first of his two swimming events. The two-time Olympian and dual 100m freestyle world champion trailed the rest of the field in the 100m freestyle event on Monday morning, Australian time, as the controversial event was held in Las Vegas.
Race Results
Magnussen's rival, Greek star Kristian Gkolomeev, barely missed out on the prize money on offer for any doped athlete who set a new world record, finishing in 46.60 seconds – just 0.2 seconds shy of the required time. The Australian finished far off the pace in a time of 49.44 seconds and trailed the rest of the field for the entirety of the race. He will contest the 50m freestyle event later on Monday.
Controversy and Criticism
Race winners at the Enhanced Games take home $358,000, and the event has been blasted as 'immoral' by critics who claim it promotes behaviour that will cause health problems. Magnussen was the first athlete in the world to commit to Enhanced Games, which features swimming, athletics, and weightlifting. He knew from the outset that, given the stakes, there was no margin for error.
'Me being the first athlete on board, we have to get this perfect,' Magnussen said. 'It's everyone's best interest for me, a, to swim fast, b, to prove that this process can be done safely and, c, to document that for everybody to see.'
Physical Transformation
He has completely transformed his body in preparation for the contest, embarking on a strenuous training regime fuelled by performance-enhancing substances that would result in a long ban if he was caught using them anywhere else but in the Enhanced Games. Magnussen first raised eyebrows last year when he bulked up to 114kg while attempting to break the 50m freestyle world record wearing a banned polyurethane supersuit. At the time, the retired Olympian admitted the sheer amount of muscle made him feel like he was 'sinking' in the water.
Now, after changing his training and body composition, Magnussen has dropped 17kg and unveiled a much leaner, heavily sculpted physique just days before competing in Las Vegas. In an Instagram post captioned, 'We know you're watching – enjoy the show', Magnussen showed off his chiselled body as anticipation built around the event. Fans flooded the comments section in disbelief, with comments such as 'Lesssgoo, absolutely shredded,' 'Shreddy McShredderson,' and 'Half man, half abdominal muscle.'
Doping Protocol
Magnussen has confirmed he has been using a protocol involving testosterone and peptides under medical supervision for almost two years. Athletes competing at the event are permitted to use substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, including testosterone, human growth hormone and EPO, provided they are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Games were founded by Australian entrepreneur Aron D'Souza, who has described the project as a pathway towards 'super humanity – humans 2.0'. D'Souza also believes the competition could help drive a booming anti-ageing industry.
