Athletes using performance-enhancing drugs have been tipped to smash world records in a controversial new event which is set to make its debut next year. Billed as an alternative to the Olympics, those competing in the Enhanced Games will be actively encouraged to use banned substances and methods that are prohibited in professional sports. Their website openly states that performance enhancers ‘should be embraced and celebrated in elite competition’.
Some athletes have already started using banned substances in preparation for the event. Earlier this year, organisers claimed that a doped swimmer had broken the world record over 50 metres in a time trial. Kristian Gkolomeev, 31, who came fifth at the last Olympics, was said to have clocked a time of 20.89 seconds to beat the long-standing record set by Cesar Cielo in 2009.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Las Vegas will host next year’s inaugural edition of the Enhanced Games. The project has already received backing from the likes of Donald Trump Jr and tech billionaire Peter Thiel.
Aron D’Souza, who founded the Enhanced Games, has urged athletes to take a gamble on the unique competition which he believes can transform sports science. He used Gkolomeev’s ‘world record’ as an example of what the event can offer.
“He should be retired, but in fact, he’s swimming faster than any human being has ever done so. Why? Because he used technology and science to enhance his performance,” said D’Souza.
“Once the world realises that, I think everyone is going to want it. Every middle-aged guy who once played competitive sport and is now suffering from back pain is going to say, ‘What is he on and how do I get it?’.
“Our project is a lot like Formula One because the research that happens to make Formula One cars drive faster eventually percolates out onto the road.
“In the same way, the science and medicine that is used to make athletes achieve world record performances at increasingly older ages will allow all humans, all of our society to age more healthily and gracefully.”
The event has received no shortage of criticism in the sporting world, having been derided as a dangerous freak show. World Athletics president Lord Coe has described it as ‘moronic’ and said he would not have any ‘sleepless nights’ over the concept.
Others have raised safety concerns, with Australian Sports Commission boss Kieren Perkins suggesting that athletes who choose to take part would be putting their lives at risk.
“The idea of an Enhanced Games is laughable,” said Perkins last year. “Someone will die if we allow that sort of environment to continue to prosper and flourish.
“We don’t want people to be taking performance-enhancing drugs because of the significant impact it has on them and their future and their future families.”
