Enhanced Games Claims First World Record, Sparking Debate on the Future of Sports

The Enhanced Games, a controversial new sports competition that allows and even encourages the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), has announced its first claimed world record, igniting a fierce debate about the ethics, safety, and future of athletic competition. The claim centers around Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who organizers say broke the long-standing 50m freestyle world record at a private event in April 2025.

Gkolomeev's Record-Breaking Swim

According to the Enhanced Games, Gkolomeev swam the 50m freestyle in 20.89 seconds, surpassing the official world record of 20.91 seconds set by Cesar Cielo in 2009. The swim took place at a private event, and Gkolomeev was reportedly using performance enhancements, the specifics of which have not been disclosed, citing medical confidentiality. In recognition of this achievement, Gkolomeev was awarded a $1 million prize. While the Enhanced Games tout this as a landmark moment, the swim is not recognized by World Aquatics or other official sporting bodies due to the use of PEDs and the non-sanctioned nature of the event.

The Enhanced Games Concept

Founded by Australian businessman Aron D'Souza, the Enhanced Games aims to create a space where athletes can openly use PEDs without fear of sanctions. D'Souza argues that athletes should have the right to make their own choices about their bodies and that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is corrupt and does not adequately compensate athletes. The inaugural Enhanced Games are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas over Memorial Day Weekend in 2026, featuring swimming, track and field, and weightlifting. The Games will offer substantial prize money, including $250,000 for first place in each event and bonuses for breaking world records, with $1 million offered for the 50m freestyle and 100m sprint records.

Controversy and Criticism

The Enhanced Games have faced widespread criticism from the sporting world, anti-doping agencies, and medical professionals. Critics argue that the Games promote cheating, endanger athletes' health, and undermine the integrity of sports. World Aquatics and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have strongly condemned the event, with World Athletics president Sebastian Coe stating that participants could face lengthy bans from traditional competitions. The International Federation of Sports Medicine has also warned that the Games could lead to the exploitation of young athletes. Concerns have been raised about the potential long-term health consequences of PED use, as well as the ethical implications of creating a competition where athletes are essentially encouraged to take performance-enhancing substances.

Athlete Perspectives and Motivations

Despite the controversy, some athletes have expressed interest in participating in the Enhanced Games. Proponents argue that the Games offer a level playing field for athletes who are already using PEDs, allowing them to compete openly and without fear of being caught. For some athletes, the financial incentives are a major draw, particularly for those who struggle to make a living in traditional sports. It has been reported that a significant percentage of US Olympians earn less than $25,000 in an Olympic year, making the prize money offered by the Enhanced Games an attractive alternative. Retired Australian swimmer James Magnussen, a former world champion and Olympic medalist, has publicly stated his intention to compete in the Games and "juice to the gills" in an attempt to break the 50m freestyle world record. Other athletes, such as Ukrainian swimmer Andrii Govorov, have expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about using PEDs, viewing it as a way to push their limits and potentially achieve superhuman feats.

The Future of Sports

The emergence of the Enhanced Games raises fundamental questions about the future of sports and the definition of athletic achievement. Will the Games gain mainstream acceptance, or will they remain a fringe event viewed with skepticism and disdain? Could the Enhanced Games pressure traditional sporting organizations to re-evaluate their stance on PEDs? The debate over the Enhanced Games highlights the complex and evolving relationship between sports, science, ethics, and human potential. As technology and performance-enhancing substances continue to advance, the sporting world will likely face increasing pressure to adapt and address these challenges. The Enhanced Games' claimed world record is not just a sporting achievement, but a provocative statement about the direction in which sports may be heading.