One of the most controversial events in the history of sport takes place on Sunday night as the one-night only Enhanced Games is staged – the event which permits athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs.
Resorts World in Las Vegas plays host to 42 athletes who will compete in three different disciplines: swimming (freestyle and butterfly), sprinting (100m and hurdles) and weightlifting (snatch and clean & jerk).
Rewards are designed to entice them to push the limits of human achievement, with $250,000 for the winner of each event and a $1,000,000 prize for “breaking” ratified world records.
And as The Independent’s Lawrence Ostlere noted last week: “Testosterone, EPO, anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, amphetamines… if it’s on the World Anti Doping Agency (Wada)’s banned list, it seems they can take it. In Sin City, the sacred rules of sport will be abandoned in the name of progress.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Enhanced Games.
What is the Enhanced Games?
A new sports event, founded by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin, that permits professional athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs – which are banned in official competitions.
When and where is it?
It is taking place on Sunday 24, May at a 2,500-seater stadium at Resorts World in Las Vegas. It will start at 11pm BST, with track and field at 2am BST on Monday 25, May.
What are the events?
- Track & field: 100m.
- Swimming: 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly.
- Weightlifting: snatch, clean & jerk.
- Strongman: deadlift.
What banned substances are allowed?
Only drugs approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be taken. These include:
- Testosterone and anabolics such as methenolone and nandrolone.
- Hormones and growth factors, such as human growth hormone and EPO.
- Metabolic modulators, such as meldonium, and stimulants, including Adderall.
Wada, the World Anti-Doping Agency, ban all of these substances.
Who is competing?
Among the most famous names are the British duo of Ben Proud (50m freestyle, swimming) and Reece Prescod (100m sprint). Swimmer Emily Barclay is also taking part.
Overall, there are set to be 42 athletes competing, with the biggest name being the 2022 world 100m champion Fred Kerley.
It should be said that, as it stands, 40 of the 42 athletes are enhancing. Two athletes, USA’s Hunter Armstrong and Barbados’ Tristan Evelyn, are not enhancing.
Are there any other stars?
The Killers, who are from Vegas, will perform after the event. DJ Alan Walker and Farruko are also set to feature.
What is the prize money?
- World record: $1,000,000
- 1st: $250,000
- 2nd: $125,000
- 3rd: $75,000
- 4th: $50,000
- 5th: $30,000
- 6th: $20,000
- 7th: $20,000
Where can I watch it?
It will not be broadcast on TV in the UK, but will be streamed for free on Roku’s YouTube channel.
