Overview
- The inaugural Enhanced Games, staged in Las Vegas from May 21–24, allowed medically supervised use of performance drugs but produced a single non‑official world record when Kristian Gkolomeev swam the 50m freestyle in 20.81s.
- Organisers said 36 of 42 competitors (about 91%) used performance‑enhancing substances during preparation, and they awarded large cash bonuses including a reported $1 million for the unrecognized world mark.
- World Athletics, World Aquatics and the IOC publicly refused to recognise results and warned that participants could face bans or exclusion from traditional competitions.
- Medical experts warned of real health risks from widespread use of testosterone, HGH, EPO and other agents, and reporting notes that Enhanced’s parent company markets many of the substances used.
- Founders and backers include Aron D’Souza, Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., organisers have launched an $800 million antitrust lawsuit against anti‑doping bodies, and the event’s commercial appeal and sporting legitimacy now face unresolved legal, reputational and regulatory hurdles.