Enhanced Games: A New Era of Doping in Sports Sparks Global Outcry

Las Vegas, USA – A new athletic competition, the 'Enhanced Games,' slated to launch in May 2026 in Las Vegas, is stirring significant controversy across the global sports community. The event aims to provide a platform for athletes to compete using performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision, a concept its Australian founder, Aron D'Souza, describes as building 'superhumanity' by normalizing such usage to boost physical performance. However, the project has drawn sharp criticism from major international sports bodies. In May, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) condemned the initiative as 'dangerous and irresponsible.' Early June saw the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decry it as 'treason,' while the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) labeled it a 'clownish spectacle that prioritizes profit over principles,' warning of the health risks to athletes. Despite widespread condemnation, some athletes are drawn to the Enhanced Games, primarily due to the substantial prize money. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, for example, reportedly earned $1 million from the Enhanced Games after breaking the 50-meter freestyle world record while using performance-enhancing drugs. He stated, 'I haven't earned much money in my career, and it's hard. I was about to start from scratch, to look for a job. I have a family, a child, I wanted to buy a house, have a more comfortable life. A million dollars is ten times more than what I earned in ten years.' The French Anti-Doping Agency also expressed deep concern, fearing the emergence of a new market for doping products promoted by athletes. The organization behind the Enhanced Games has indeed expressed ambitions to sell 'enhanced' products to the general public, claiming they improve performance and longevity. In a radical move this month, the International Swimming Federation announced that any person participating in the Enhanced Games would be banned from all swimming competitions worldwide, underscoring the strong global opposition to this unprecedented venture.