Swimming’s governing body has warned swimmers considering participating in the Enhanced Games that they could face bans from future competitions, even if they compete without performance-enhancing drugs.
Major financial incentives have been used to pit drug-enhanced athletes against clean Olympians, with $US1 million ($AUD1.55 million) on offer for breaking the men’s 50m freestyle world record.
Australian Olympian, James Magnussen, has been the poster boy of the Enhanced Games and urged reigning 50m freestyle Olympic champion Cam McEvoy to take part, stating it’s only a matter of time before an active swimmer does.
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Magnussen failed to break the 50m freestyle world record in his attempt, but Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev did break the mark, with the use of performance-enhancing drugs and a now-banned swimsuit.
But World Aquatics has sent a stern message, threatening to ban any athlete who competes, regardless of whether they’re clean or not.
“All affiliated athletes and coaches are bound by the World Aquatics Integrity Code, which prohibits conduct that could damage the sport’s reputation or undermine public confidence in the integrity of aquatics or the fairness of competition,” World Aquatics told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“All athletes and coaches affiliated with aquatics clubs are subject to comprehensive anti-doping measures through our partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA). This includes both in-and out-of-competition testing, robust intelligence gathering and targeted investigations.”
The statement continued: “Like clowns juggling knives, sadly, these athletes will get hurt performing in this circus,” World Aquatics said in a statement. History has shown us time and time again the grave dangers of doping to human health.
“This is a sideshow to those who compete honestly, fairly, and respect the true spirit of sport. Athletic performance is a pure, special thing and should not be distorted by delusions of ‘science’ and ‘medicine’.
“For every step forward taken by clean athletes, the athletes competing in this circus take ten steps backwards.”
Australian Olympic Committee chief executive Mark Arbib has already denounced the idea, while the International Olympic Committee is yet to formally address the issue.
No active swimmer has confirmed they will take part, but there has apparently been growing interest in the background.
However, recently retired 50m butterfly world record holder Andrii Govorov confirmed he will compete for a chance at winning the money.
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