Doping Enhanced Games to launch in 2026 bucking global anti doping norms

LAS VEGAS - The Enhanced Games have set their inaugural competition for May 2026 in Las Vegas, with swimming, athletics and weightlifting on the agenda for athletes using substances banned in official competition to the consternation of anti-doping bodies.

Basking in Las Vegas neon glow at the launch, founder Aron DSouza on Wednesday urged athletes to take a gamble on the novel competition that he believes can transform sports science but critics deride as a freak show.

Organizers touted what they believe to be their biggest success story so far: Kristian Gkolomeev, a Greek swimmer who never made the podium in four Olympics but surpassed one of his sports great achievements under the Enhanced Games programme.

Gkolomeev swam two hundredths of a second faster than the 50m freestyle official world record that has stood for more than 15 years, clocking 20.89 in February with an inline full-body open water suit that falls outside World Aquatics standards.

Im kind of like the driver in the car, but I need the team behind me, Gkolomeev, who finished fifth in the event at the Paris Games, said ahead of the Las Vegas event.

Enhanced Games have held the 31-year-old up as an example of what can be possible under their regime while declining to disclose which performance enhancements he used, citing medical confidentiality.

He should be retired, but in fact, hes swimming faster than any human being has ever done so. Why? Because he used technology and science to enhance his performance, said DSouza.

Once the world realizes that, I think everyone is going to want it. Every middle-aged guy who once played competitive sport and is now suffering from back pain is going to say, What is he on and how do I get it?

The Enhanced Games operate under the principle