Enhanced Games 2026: A New Era for Doping in Sports Challenges Anti-Doping Norms
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
The Enhanced Games, set to launch in May 2026 in Las Vegas, will feature events in swimming, athletics, and weightlifting where athletes are permitted to use performance-enhancing substances banned in traditional competitions. This initiative has sparked controversy, with critics labeling it a 'freak show', while its founder, Aron D'Souza, sees it as a transformative approach to sports science. The event has already seen success with swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev breaking the 50m freestyle world record under the program.
Key Points
The Enhanced Games are scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas.
The games will include swimming, athletics, and weightlifting, allowing the use of banned performance-enhancing substances.
Founder Aron D'Souza views the games as a way to advance sports science, despite criticism labeling it as a 'freak show'.
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, under the Enhanced Games program, broke the 50m freestyle world record by two hundredths of a second using an inline full-body open water suit.
Details of the performance enhancements used by Gkolomeev were not disclosed, citing medical confidentiality.
