A world record was shattered at the inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, with Greece’s Kristian Gkolomeev swimming the 50m freestyle in 20.81 seconds, beating the previous record by 0.07 seconds.
The 32-year-old athlete’s time won’t be officially recognized due to the event’s rules allowing banned performance-enhancing substances. Gkolomeev was rewarded with $250,000 for winning and a $1 million bonus for the unofficial record.
Enhanced Games Controversy
The competition, which featured events in athletics, weightlifting, and swimming, has been condemned by global sporting bodies, including the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency. Most of the 42 athletes competing used performance-enhancing substances, with 13 setting personal bests.
American former world champion Fred Kerley won the men’s 100m in 9.97 seconds, while British swimmer Ben Proud triumphed in the 50m butterfly, clocking 22.32 seconds. Weightlifter Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson, known for his role in Game of Thrones, also participated but failed to break his own deadlift record.
The event’s organizers argue that enhancement already exists in elite sports, and bringing it into the open makes it safer. However, many sporting governing bodies have publicly rebuked athletes for competing in the games, with some banning them for participation.
Implications and Reactions
The IOC and Wada have described the Enhanced Games as “immoral” and “a dangerous and irresponsible concept.” World Athletics president Lord Coe said athletes competing in the games are “moronic.” The event has sparked a debate about the use of performance-enhancing substances in sports.
The project, founded by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin, has attracted backing from prominent investors, including billionaire Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. The event’s future is uncertain, but it has already sparked a heated discussion about the role of enhancement in sports.
