Athletes participating in the first-ever Enhanced Games have defended the contentious competition, arguing that they are competing in a transparent, safe, and financially rewarding manner that mainstream sport has long failed to offer.
Athletes addressed the media ahead of what organizers are hailing as a historic occasion in sports history—and what some have dubbed the “Doping Olympics”—with the competition scheduled to take place at Resorts World Las Vegas on Sunday.
Under medical supervision, athletes are permitted to utilize performance-enhancing substances at the Enhanced Games. The World Anti-Doping Agency has denounced it as a “dangerous and irresponsible concept,” and regulatory organizations like Aquatics GB and World Aquatics have also distanced themselves from the event.
“There’s been a lot of pushback and a lot of condemnation, especially when it comes to the integrity of fair play,” American sprinter Shania Collins said on Friday afternoon. “I’d say that this is completely different.” However, the athletes themselves were outspoken in their defense, fiercely opposing the idea that they are acting dishonestly. I believe that people should become more aware of what is already happening in sports. From the beginning, we have been forthright, truthful, and open.
Shania Collins, an American sprinter, has defended her participation in the Enhanced Games.
The first event is scheduled for May 24 in a specially constructed location in Las Vegas.
Christian Angermayer, a biotech billionaire, has supported the Enhanced Games. “We are saying we are taking performance-enhancing drugs.” In contrast to some of your favorites who claim to be clean when they’re not, how could you question our integrity when we’re being honest and open about the facts?
The transparency of the Enhanced Games was a major attraction, according to Collins, who left professional sports in part because she believed she was competing against unclean athletes. “I felt like it was unfair,” Collins said. “I was giving it my all while lining up against girls I knew weren’t clean in the sport,” she remarked. “I was doing everything I could.”
“New coaching environments, new training partners, and new training tools.” I was making every effort to give it my all. Additionally, I was aware that the women I was lined up with were unclean.
She was motivated to attend the Games by this sense of unfairness as well as the financial realities of professional athletics. The $1 million in prize money offered for setting world records is far more than what the majority of Olympic-level competitors make over the course of their careers.Collins stated, “It’s well known in our sport that we don’t get paid or compensated well at all. When Enhanced came to me and I realized that those things overlapped—that we would be paid financially well and we would shed light on PEDs—I was like, those are two of the reasons why I retired.” I would adore participating in this.
Ben Proud, a British swimmer who has competed in the world championship 50-meter butterfly finals for ten years, was equally forthright about his reasons. He has been at the top of the swimming world for ten years, but neither financing nor prize money have significantly increased.
Fred Kerley, a former member of Team USA, acknowledged that his concerns about money drove him to the competition.
Ben Proud, a British swimmer, also disclosed that the $1 million prize cash had a significant role in his decision to
Hunter Armstrong, an American athlete, will compete without using performance-enhancing substances.
A $1 million reward fund is being offered by the Enhanced Games for any world records that are broken.
Proud did not hesitate when asked directly if his involvement was motivated by money or making a point. It has to do with the money. I don’t believe I have anything to prove. For the next three years, this will serve as my benchmark swim and stepping stone.
In a similar vein, American sprinter Fred Kerley continued, saying, “I know a guy that got a silver medal at the Olympic Games and, shortly after, his contract was cut. So, now, I have a base salary.” They also treat us well, and we have access to healthcare and other amenities. Because the money is already there, I don’t worry about it. I can simply relax, perform, and take pleasure in doing what I love.
The cash possibility is significant for athletes who have limited earning windows and families to support.
Given his desire to compete in the LA 2028 Games, Hunter Armstrong, who won Olympic gold in the 4x100m medley relay at Paris 2024, is competing without using any performance-enhancing drugs. He claims this decision is non-negotiable.
However, he was open about his motivation for attending. Armstrong declared, “I want to take advantage of this amazing opportunity for myself, my family, and my future.” “And I want to do it correctly so that I can keep representing at the top level.”
Armstrong was eager to emphasize that his attendance should not be interpreted as a criticism of USA Swimming or World Aquatics, both of which have denounced the competition.
“This wasn’t a protest or a “gotcha,” he declared. “I wanted to continue competing and representing my country in 2028 because I have very good relationships within World Aquatics and USA Swimming.”
“As a 15-year clean athlete, you have to work so hard for these things,” Proud said. “For those who have crossed the line into enhancement, the physical changes have been striking and the difference is impossible to ignore.” These days, things are simple. Training is still the same, but things are much, much simpler.
Angermayer, a co-founder of Enhanced Games, has maintained that the competition will transform the sport.
The arena’s appearance during the tournament is depicted in a representation of the Enhanced Games.
He continued by saying that the event has changed his outlook on what he is still capable of. “I’m taking that into my next cycle with almost enthusiasm after realizing how much it has completely changed.” I’m eager to use what I’ve learnt in my upcoming training.
Collins said that although she experienced some genuine worry during her first injection, it was lessened by the degree of medical supervision that was in place.
“I was really anxious.” Because it was unfamiliar to me and a boundary I had never passed before, I was really anxious. However, the entire crew was present, and we had lengthy discussions about the dangers. The more I saw the physicians, the less anxious I felt.
Mostly beneficial outcomes were noted by both athletes. Collins reported feeling stronger, recovering more quickly, and having more mental clarity, but with a few small drawbacks like acne and hair growth.
British celebrity Proud claimed to have water retention but nothing more serious, adding that top medical professionals in Abu Dhabi had been keeping an eye on him.
Concerns about the Enhanced Games’ potential to normalize drug usage among younger competitors have been raised. “That would be a concern of mine,” said Armstrong, who was the most circumspect of the three. He declared, “I absolutely do not want to see any unsafe procedures or enhancements, especially at a young age.”
Proud was just as cautious. “I wouldn’t suggest that young people improve.” This is me, a thirty-one-year-old swimmer who, at a time when I was thinking about retiring, saw a great chance for myself and my family despite the lack of financial reward.
Collins went into great detail regarding the medical support that athletes have so far received.
Thor Bjornsson, a former World’s Strongest Man, will also perform on Sunday.
Collins adopted a somewhat different position, contending that augmentation need not be risky if appropriate medical assistance is provided.
“If it’s something you’re comfortable with, if you feel like it could help you, ask the right doctors, find out the right information, and if it’s smart for you, I would say 100 percent,” she said, referring to the Games’ strategy, which involved extensive MRI, heart, and brain scans prior to the administration of any substances.
Regarding world records, all three were cautious to distinguish between those that might be set in Las Vegas and those that are found in popular sports.
Collins remarked, “I can see why people would think the world record wouldn’t count.” I don’t think we’re advocating for everyone to adhere to this new norm.
“But I believe it would highlight what we could accomplish if performance-enhancing drugs were used in sports—what more could the human body accomplish?”
“In our world they’re the world records,” Proud, who will compete against Khristian Gkolomeev, whose 50-meter freestyle world record last year served as the impetus for the entire endeavor, acknowledged that the improved marks would stand in a different category. They will be the improved world records in the swimming world. They are two completely distinct things. However, this is just the first step in achieving the ultimate human potential, which is what Enhanced is pursuing.
Armstrong, on the other hand, used theatrical rather than scientific language to explain the Enhanced Games. “This is a show first and foremost.” Sports are a form of amusement. “I think Enhanced Games really wants to bring new life to sport.” “I like to put on a show, I like to make people smile, and I’m a theatre kid at heart.”
