Will the Enhanced Chief's Vision Change Minds About the Games?

The Enhanced Games, featuring athletes like Fred Kerley and Ben Proud, aims to redefine sports by allowing the use of performance-enhancing substances, challenging traditional anti-doping norms. Scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas, this controversial event has sparked significant debate about athlete safety and the integrity of competition.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Enhanced Games are set to take the sports world by storm, with a unique framework that permits competitors to use substances typically banned in mainstream athletics. This revolutionary approach is spearheaded by Maximilian Martin, the new CEO, who believes that the first Games will alter public perception of doping in sports. Despite facing fierce criticism from anti-doping officials and established sporting bodies, Martin insists that the event will demonstrate the safety and viability of their model.

Key takeaways

• The Enhanced Games will allow performance-enhancing drugs with oversight from medical professionals.
• Ben Proud and Fred Kerley are among 21 confirmed athletes for the inaugural event in May 2026.
• Critics argue the Games could undermine athlete safety and the integrity of sports.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey towards the Enhanced Games has been rapid and controversial:

• July 2023: World Aquatics announced a ban on any swimmer associated with the Enhanced Games.
• September 2023: Enhanced Games' legal challenge against the ban was dismissed by a New York judge.
• October 2023: Maximilian Martin becomes the new CEO following the resignation of founder Aron D'Souza.
• May 2026: The inaugural Enhanced Games are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent announcements from the Enhanced Games include the confirmation of high-profile athletes like Ben Proud and Fred Kerley, along with plans to expand the event's offerings beyond just swimming and sprinting. Martin has also discussed the potential for a winter edition and time-trial events.

What was already established

The framework of the Enhanced Games allows for the use of performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision, a stark departure from traditional sports' stringent anti-doping measures. Critics warn that this could pose long-term health risks to athletes.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Enhanced Games are set to challenge the existing norms of sports in the UK. While some fans may embrace the new model, others worry about the implications of normalising doping in athletics, which could affect the integrity of competitions and the future of sports development.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in sports medicine, coaching, and athletic training, the Enhanced Games could represent new opportunities for growth. The event may stimulate sectors focused on sports supplements and performance-enhancing drugs, provided they align with the Games' health-focused model.

Policy and regulation

UK sports governing bodies will likely monitor the Enhanced Games closely, as any shifts in public perception or policy could influence future regulations regarding doping and athlete health. The long-term implications for UK sports policy remain to be seen, particularly if the event gains traction and recognition.

Numbers that matter

• 50: Estimated number of competitors expected to participate in the inaugural Enhanced Games.
• £800 million: The value of the lawsuit filed by the Enhanced Games against World Aquatics.
• 2,500: Number of free tickets available for the initial event in Las Vegas.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Enhanced Games: A new sporting event allowing the use of performance-enhancing substances.
• Performance-enhancing drugs: Substances that improve an athlete's performance beyond natural limits.
• World Aquatics: The international governing body for aquatic sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the lead-up to the Enhanced Games, attention will focus on athlete recruitment and the establishment of training facilities. Public response to the event's concept will be crucial, as will any further developments regarding regulatory responses from sporting bodies.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As more athletes sign up, the Games will likely expand its marketing efforts to attract sponsors and partnerships. The success of these initiatives will determine the financial viability of the event and its potential longevity in the sports landscape.

Signals to watch

• Public reception and media coverage of athlete participation.
• Regulatory actions from UK sports authorities.
• Sales figures for event tickets and merchandise once available.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the developments surrounding the Enhanced Games.
• Consider the implications of performance-enhancing drugs on athlete health and safety.

Don’t

• Assume that the Enhanced Games will be universally accepted by the sporting community.
• Neglect the potential long-term health consequences for participating athletes.

Checklist

• Monitor announcements from the Enhanced Games for updates on athlete sign-ups.
• Understand the health implications of performance-enhancing drugs as they relate to athlete safety.
• Engage in discussions about the ethics of doping in sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are significant uncertainties surrounding the Enhanced Games, particularly regarding athlete health and the potential long-term effects of performance-enhancing substances. Critics argue that the lack of comprehensive research on these drugs raises serious concerns. The event's acceptance and longevity will depend on how successfully it can mitigate these risks and address public concerns.

Bottom line

The Enhanced Games present a bold and controversial new chapter in the world of sports, challenging traditional norms around doping and competition. As the inaugural event approaches, the landscape of athletics may shift dramatically, prompting a reassessment of athlete safety, health, and the integrity of sport itself.

FAQs

What are the Enhanced Games?

The Enhanced Games are a new sports event allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision, challenging the traditional anti-doping policies in athletics.

When will the first Enhanced Games take place?

The inaugural Enhanced Games are scheduled to be held in May 2026 in Las Vegas.

Who are the notable athletes participating?

Notable athletes signed up for the Enhanced Games include British swimmer Ben Proud and American sprinter Fred Kerley, among others.