Las Vegas is set to host one of the most controversial sporting events in history, with the inaugural Enhanced Games kicking off where performance-enhancing drugs are not only permitted but actively encouraged.
Dismissed by critics as the ‘Steroid Olympics’, the event will see 42 world-class athletes attempt to smash world records with the help of banned substances including steroids, peptides and hormones, all taken under strict medical supervision.
Among the competitors is Australian swimmer James “The Missile” Magnussen, who is part of the 90 per cent of athletes competing on performance-enhancing drugs.
“As a 15-year clean athlete, you have to work so hard for these things, and things come easy now,” Magnussen said.
The brainchild of Australian businessman Aron D’Souza, the event is designed to push the limits of what’s humanly possible in the pool and on the track, with a Vegas-sized jackpot as motivation.
Athletes who break a world record will pocket $1.4 million.
When asked whether it was about the money — or proving that you can perform better “enhanced” — Magnussen had an appropriately Vegas each-way bet.
“I think both, yeah, for sure both,” he said. “Money is a big motivator.”
US sprinter Fred Kerley, who medalled in the 100m at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, is one of a handful competing clean.
“It’s all about the money, baby,” he said. “All about the Benjamins.”
The concept has been written off by global sports bodies, warning it puts athletes’ health at risk and normalises cheating.
It’s criticism the athletes know they’ll have to shoulder while the world gets used to the idea, but with millions potentially tuning in to on Monday morning (AEST), they’re confident that’ll happen pretty quickly.
“I believe this will be a juggernaut,” Magnussen said. “It will roll on and it will get bigger and better every year.”
Hoping that what happens in Vegas, this time at least, doesn’t stay in Vegas.
