Australian anti-doping officials have issued fresh warnings about the use of peptides ahead of the world’s first sports event without drug testing, the Enhanced Games, scheduled for May 24 in Las Vegas.
Australian swimmer James Magnussen is among the athletes set to compete, with participants reportedly taking performance-enhancing drugs in preparation. The event was founded by Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, who has since stepped away as the parent company, Enhanced Group, launched on the New York Stock Exchange last week.
The company, valued at US$1.2 billion (A$1.7 billion), is selling performance enhancements including a range of peptides that Magnussen and other athletes are using. Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) is warning about integrity and health risks associated with these substances.
SIA chief executive Sarah Benson stated on Wednesday that peptides are often falsely marketed as safe, low-risk, and aiding recovery. “Athletes must understand that peptides are not harmless supplements,” she said. “They are powerful substances that can have serious and long-term health consequences, and in many cases their use is clearly prohibited in sport.”
Health risks include hormonal disruption, cardiovascular issues, infection, and organ damage. Benson also noted that prohibited peptide use threatens fair competition and could damage careers and confidence in sport. Under Australia’s strict liability anti-doping rules, athletes are accountable for any prohibited substance in their system, regardless of the source.
Benson emphasized the need to address the emergence of peptides ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics, warning of potential unintentional doping due to contamination or mislabelling.
