Olympic swimmer becomes first British athlete to participate in event that allows banned performance-enhancing drugs

Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has become the first British athlete to join the Enhanced Games, a controversial event that permits the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs. Despite the backlash, Proud insists his decision does not undermine clean sport and sees the Enhanced Games as a new avenue to explore his athletic potential.

Proud, a 30-year-old world and European champion in the 50m freestyle and a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has chosen to participate in the Enhanced Games, which allows athletes to use substances approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under medical supervision. However, his decision has drawn criticism from organizations like Aquatics GB and UK Sport, which have condemned the event and are reviewing his eligibility for public funding.

Proud argues that the Enhanced Games provide a separate platform from traditional competitive sports, emphasizing that he respects clean sport but feels the current system has limitations. He acknowledges the challenges of anti-doping efforts and sees the Enhanced Games as a way to explore new possibilities in performance, even if it means stepping away from international competition.

The inaugural Enhanced Games are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from May 21 to 24, 2026, and will feature short-distance swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting. While the event has faced criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play, Proud remains focused on what he sees as an opportunity to push his limits in a different context.

The Enhanced Games were launched in 2023 and have already drawn the ire of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which has called the event a “dangerous and irresponsible concept.” World Aquatics, the governing body for swimming, became the first international sports federation to ban athletes, coaches, and officials from its events if they have participated in the Enhanced Games.

Proud, who previously supported UK Anti-Doping’s Clean Sport Week, has emphasized that he sees the Enhanced Games as a separate entity from traditional sports. He also noted that the event offers financial incentives, including appearance fees and bonuses, which may attract athletes looking for new opportunities beyond the traditional competitive framework.

Proud’s decision comes after a successful career that included winning silver at the 2024 Olympics and a World Aquatics Championships silver medal in Singapore. He has spoken to a few former teammates about his new venture, and while some have expressed concerns, he believes this is the best opportunity for him at this stage in his career.

The Enhanced Games have also seen notable participants, such as Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who received a $1 million prize for breaking a world record in a 50m freestyle time trial in February 2025. While the time was not recognized by World Aquatics, it sparked discussions about the potential of the Enhanced Games to push athletic boundaries.

Proud remains open about the substances he may use in the future, stating that he is still learning about the available options and will make his decision based on thorough medical supervision. He emphasized that the event is not about breaking rules but exploring new avenues for athletic development.

As the Enhanced Games continue to gain attention, they remain a polarizing topic in the world of sports, with some athletes and organizations embracing the opportunity and others condemning it as a threat to the integrity of clean competition.