Olympic Medallist Becomes First Briton to Join Enhanced Games
Ben Proud, the 30-year-old Olympic silver medallist and world champion swimmer, has made waves as the first British athlete to sign with the controversial Enhanced Games—an event explicitly permitting performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision. While Proud’s decision has ignited fierce debate, he remains adamant that his participation does not compromise the integrity of clean sport but instead represents a bold new chapter in his career.
Ben Proud’s Legacy and Controversial Transition
Proud’s accomplishments in traditional swimming are undeniable. A dominant force in the 50m freestyle, he secured silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics and clinched titles at the World and European Championships. Yet, the elusive Olympic gold and a crack at the 17-year-old world record (held by Brazil’s Cesar Cielo since 2009) remained out of reach. Now, he views the Enhanced Games as an opportunity to redefine his limits.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Proud emphasized, This isn’t about undermining clean sport. It’s about exploring human potential in a controlled, transparent environment. I’ve achieved everything I can in traditional swimming—this is a new frontier.
The Enhanced Games: Redefining Athletic Boundaries
The Enhanced Games, unveiled in 2023, openly allows medically supervised doping with FDA-approved substances, diverging sharply from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list. Organizers pitch it as an experiment in biological freedom, prioritizing athlete autonomy and scientific oversight. Events will span swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting, with the inaugural edition slated for May 2026 in Las Vegas.
Critics, however, have lambasted the concept. WADA labeled it a dangerous and irresponsible project, while Travis Tygart of the US Anti-Doping Agency dismissed it as a clown show. Aquatics GB echoed this disdain, stating: We condemn Ben’s decision unequivocally. Our commitment to clean sport is unwavering.
Proud’s Defense: Ethics and Evolution
Proud insists the Enhanced Games exist in a separate lane from traditional competition. Doping in clean sport is unacceptable—I’ve spent my career advocating for fairness, he said. But here, everything is aboveboard. Substances are FDA-approved, monitored by doctors, and athletes face rigorous health screenings.
He also highlighted frustrations with the current anti-doping system, calling it a cat-and-mouse game riddled with inconsistencies. Despite daily testing and strict protocols, cheaters still slip through, Proud remarked. The Enhanced Games eliminate that gray area. Everyone operates under the same rules.
Why the Enhanced Games Appeal to Athletes
Financial incentives and record-breaking potential are key draws. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev earned $1 million for unofficially breaking the 50m freestyle world record at an Enhanced Games trial—a feat unrecognized by World Aquatics but emblematic of the event’s allure. For Proud, Gkolomeev’s swim was transformative. It proved that speed barriers can be shattered in this format, he said. I want to see what my body can do when limits are pushed responsibly.
Health safeguards remain central to Proud’s participation. I’ll only take substances I fully understand, under expert guidance, he stressed. If there’s any risk, I won’t proceed. Currently undecided on what enhancements he might use, he plans to spend the next several months researching options.
The Ripple Effect in Swimming and Beyond
Proud’s move has divided peers. While UK teammates like Adam Peaty and Duncan Scott have vocally opposed doping, Proud claims receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback privately. Those who know me trust my judgment, he said. This isn’t a rebellion—it’s evolution.
His transition also spotlights growing discussions about the future of anti-doping. WADA’s 2022 report revealed 1,979 adverse findings from 241,143 samples, underscoring persistent challenges in policing fair play. For some, the Enhanced Games’ transparency offers a radical alternative.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Proud and the Enhanced Games?
Now barred from international competition, Proud is channeling his energy into preparing for 2026. I’m content with my Olympic journey, he reflected. This isn’t a desperate move—it’s a conscious choice to innovate.
The Enhanced Games organisers aim to expand into more sports annually, positioning the event as a disruptor in elite athletics. Whether it gains mainstream acceptance or remains a fringe spectacle hinges on its ability to balance spectacle with safety—a challenge Proud is now at the forefront of.
Conclusion: A New Era for Sport?
Ben Proud’s groundbreaking decision to join the Enhanced Games marks a pivotal moment in sports history. While critics decry it as a threat to ethical competition, Proud frames it as an honest exploration of human potential. As debates rage, one thing is certain: the Enhanced Games will force a reckoning with how society defines fairness, risk, and innovation in athletics.
