The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), Witold Banka, has called on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) to take action to stop the Enhanced Games, a new event that allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in competition. Banka described the event as “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” urging global anti-doping bodies to remain united in opposition.
Speaking in London, Banka criticised the US anti-doping system, noting that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is not a signatory to the world anti-doping code. He highlighted that almost 90% of US athletes do not compete under the code, and only 308 samples were collected in the six months after the 2024 Olympics. “Ask yourself if [the US system] is robust or it requires improvement,” he said.
The Enhanced Games, scheduled for next year at Resorts World in Las Vegas, offers $250,000 for breaking official world records, with $1m for the 50m freestyle and 100m sprint. Backed by an investment group including Donald Trump Jr., the event has drawn global criticism. Usada head Travis Tygart previously called it “a clown show,” but has also been critical of Wada, particularly over the handling of 23 Chinese swimmers who competed at the Tokyo Olympics despite positive drug tests.
Banka said anti-doping authorities must be “very strong” and “very united” in opposing the games. “We really want our colleagues from the US to do more to make sure that this event will not happen,” he said, adding that Usada has a responsibility to lobby against it. He also dismissed allegations of bias towards China, calling them “politicisation” and urging the US to address gaps in its own anti-doping system.
