Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev earned a $1m bonus for breaking the 50m freestyle world record at the inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on Sunday. His time of 20.81 seconds beat the official record of 20.88 set by Australian Cameron McEvoy in March.
Gkolomeev, 32, who failed to medal in four Olympic appearances, had previously won the same bonus in February for swimming 20.89, surpassing Brazilian Cesar Cielo's 2009 mark. However, results at the Enhanced Games are considered illegal by global sporting authorities as athletes use substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Celebrating with his family by the pool, Gkolomeev said: 'Great race. I had a lot of fun. This is amazing.' He added that the prize money 'is going to change my life to the good, for sure.' He also earned $250,000 for winning the race.
World Aquatics condemned the event as a 'circus, built on short-cuts.' McEvoy received no bonus for his record, as World Aquatics only pays bonuses for records set in its own competitions. 'It's crazy to think that to get a world record without a suit, and without any performance-enhancing drugs, as a clean athlete, the bonus is zero dollars,' McEvoy said in March.
On the track, American former world champion Fred Kerley won the 100m in 9.97 seconds, well short of his personal best. WADA and other authorities oppose the Enhanced Games, warning athletes risk bans and health issues. Organisers argue that banning performance-enhancing drugs stifles performance rather than protecting athletes.
