Ben Proud First Brit to Compete in Doping-permitting ’Enhanced Games‘
LAS VEGAS – olympic swimmer Ben Proud has become the first British athlete to announce his participation in the Enhanced games, a controversial new sporting competition that allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision. The announcement marks a critically important escalation in the debate surrounding doping in sports and positions proud at the center of a highly polarized discussion.
Launched in 2023, the Enhanced Games distinguishes itself from traditional athletic events by permitting the use of substances approved by the United States’ Food and Drug administration (FDA), a departure from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list. The inaugural event, planned for may 21-24, 2026, in Las Vegas, will initially feature competitions in short-distance swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting.
The concept has drawn sharp criticism from anti-doping authorities. WADA has labelled the Enhanced Games a “hazardous and irresponsible project,” while Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, has dismissed it as a “clown show.” Despite the backlash, organizers maintain a focus on athlete safety and informed consent.
Proud addressed concerns, stating, “We have access to some of the greatest specialists out there to make sure that everything will be an informed decision.” He emphasized that all substances used will be FDA-approved, readily available to the public, and administered under strict medical supervision.”Everything’s done under very strict supervision from doctors and health care professionals, and I will never take anything that I am unsure of,” he added. Organizers also reportedly screen participants to ensure they are not under any health risks.
Currently, Proud remains undecided on whether he will utilize any performance-enhancing substances. “I’m coming into this very new, I don’t know any pros and cons about anything that could be available,” he said. “I’m very curious as to what could be done to feel better in certain aspects of the race or training. I have the next three,four months to figure out what it is. After that, ultimately, I have the decision to say I want to take it or not.”
The Enhanced Games are intended to be an annual competition, perhaps reshaping the landscape of competitive athletics by openly embracing a practice traditionally condemned and hidden within the sporting world.
