Why a swimmer’s 50m world record at the Enhanced Games won’t be recognised
Enhanced Games CEO defends inaugural event in Las Vegas
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev unofficially broke the 50m freestyle world record with a time of 20.81 seconds at the inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, surpassing Cameron McEvoy’s previous mark.
Gkolomeev received a $1m bonus for setting the new record, alongside an additional $250,000 for winning the race, marking his second such bonus after previously beating Cesar Cielo’s record in February.
Results from the Enhanced Games are not recognised by global sporting authorities, such as World Aquatics, due to the event permitting athletes to use substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
World Aquatics has strongly criticised the Enhanced Games, describing it as a ‘circus’, and only awards bonuses for records achieved in competitions it organises, contrasting with McEvoy who received no financial reward for his clean world record.
The organisers of the Enhanced Games contend that prohibiting performance-enhancing drugs stifles athletic potential, a position that is firmly opposed by WADA and other sporting bodies who warn of health risks and potential bans for participants.
