It’s like the Olympics – except steroids are allowed

It s like the Olympics – In the heart of Las Vegas, where the sun blazes and neon lights reflect off the shimmering skyline, a new kind of competition is taking shape. The “Live Enhanced” banners on massive billboards cast a vivid backdrop as a baritone voice, mimicking a sports commentator, announces the arrival of British swimmer Ben Proud and other athletes. This scene, though reminiscent of Olympic glory, is the setup for the Enhanced Games—a bold, controversial experiment in athletic performance. The inaugural event, held in an open-air arena, promises to redefine the boundaries of human capability by allowing the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The Enhanced Games: A Bold Experiment in Athletic Performance

Unlike the traditional Olympics, where doping is strictly prohibited, the Enhanced Games operate under a different philosophy. Athletes are permitted to use legal substances approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), including testosterone and human growth hormone. These compounds, typically banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), are not only accepted here but actively celebrated. The event aims to showcase what organizers describe as an “undercurrent” of doping that many athletes already engage in secretly, bringing it into the open.

The stakes are high, with a total of $25 million in prize money on offer. Winners will not only claim their medals but also cash rewards. In certain events, such as sprinting, athletes who break world records receive an additional $1 million bonus. For instance, US sprinter Fred Kerley is expected to be among the competitors vying for such accolades. The FDA’s endorsement of the drugs used adds a layer of legitimacy to the competition, despite the controversial nature of the substances.

The project was launched in 2023 by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin. Backed by prominent investors, including billionaire Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., the Enhanced Games have attracted a diverse group of athletes. These competitors, ranging from track runners to swimmers, are ready to push their physical limits. However, the event has drawn sharp criticism from health experts, who warn of the risks associated with anabolic steroids and growth hormones. These include potential cardiovascular damage and an increased risk of strokes.

Debates and Reactions: Critics vs. Supporters

While the Enhanced Games argue that transparency is key to their legitimacy, critics within the Olympic movement view the event as a direct affront to the ideals of clean competition. Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), emphasizes that the solution to doping lies in reforming the current system rather than embracing it. “You don’t have to be pressured or use drugs in order to be the best,” he says. “Athletes should feel confident that the Olympics are clean and cheaters will not be rewarded.”

“We don’t want kids to have to say, ‘in order to win an Olympic medal, when I’m 18 or 20 years old, I have to inject myself every day in the rear end with a potentially dangerous drug,'” Tygart adds. His comments highlight the concern that the Enhanced Games may encourage a new generation of athletes to prioritize results over health.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the Enhanced Games maintain that their event is a necessary evolution in sports. They claim that the undercurrent of doping in professional athletics is widespread and that by openly acknowledging it, they are offering a more honest alternative. During a media session at Resorts World Casino, athletes discussed their strategies for the competition. However, only one participant, strongman Hafthor Bjornsson, was willing to reveal the specific drugs he was using. Bjornsson, known for his role as the Mountain in Game of Thrones, states that steroid use is a given in his sport and that openness is a mark of credibility.

Shania Collins, an American sprinter, echoes this sentiment. She argues that the admission of doping in the Enhanced Games actually enhances their integrity. “We’re being up front and honest and transparent from the start,” Collins tells the BBC. “So how can you challenge our integrity when we’re forthright with the information?” Her words reflect the belief among some athletes that the Enhanced Games offer a fairer chance at success, free from the stigma of secrecy.

Yet, not all sporting bodies share this optimism. UK Athletics’ chief executive, Jack Buckner, expressed dismay upon learning that former Great Britain sprinter Reece Prescod had signed up for the event. He called the decision “appalled,” suggesting a lack of confidence in the competition’s ethics. Similarly, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has labeled the Enhanced Games a “reckless venture,” while GB Aquatics has stated that Ben Proud, who won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics in 2024, will not be selected for the British Olympic team again if he competes in the event.

Proud, the focal point of the debate, is determined to break the world record using performance-enhancing drugs. The potential reward is a million-dollar prize, but even if he doesn’t set a new benchmark, he will still walk away with $250,000. “There’s no money in sport,” Proud said before the games. “I was 30 and had just come off a silver medal—what future path do I follow?” His comments underscore the financial pressures that drive athletes to seek out alternative methods of gaining an edge.

During a trial event hosted by Enhanced, a doped-up swimmer was awarded the million-dollar bonus for breaking a record. This outcome has fueled discussions about the event’s impact on traditional sports. With 42 athletes competing in the main event, the majority will be using testosterone, while others will incorporate human growth hormone and stimulants like Adderall. Still, not all participants are doping—some are choosing to compete cleanly, highlighting the diversity of approaches within the event.

As the Enhanced Games unfold, the question remains: does this new format celebrate athletic achievement or undermine the principles of fair play? For now, the competition is a test of both human potential and the evolving landscape of sports, where the line between enhancement and cheating is being redrawn. Whether it will inspire a new era of performance or spark lasting controversy is yet to be seen.