World Aquatics to ban anyone from Enhanced Games

World Aquatics is the first international organization to forbid athletes, coaches, and officials from competing in the controversial Enhanced Games.

The first Enhanced Games will take place in Las Vegas from May 21 through May 24th, 2026, and the new event promotes banned performance-enhancing drugs.

Short-distance swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting will initially be the focus of the competition’s annual format.

Greece’s Kristian Gkolomeev reportedly swam 20.89 seconds in a 50-meter freestyle time trial in the US last month, which is 0.02 seconds faster than the Brazilian Cesar Cielo’s world record set in 2009.

A new bylaw “that reinforces its steadfast commitment to clean sport” was introduced by World Aquatics.

Individuals who support, endorse, or compete in sporting events that use scientific advancements or other methods that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or take part in any World Aquatics competitions, events, or other activities as per the new bylaw.

This includes positions such as government representative, coach, team official, administrator, medical support staff, and athlete.

World Aquatics urged its member associations to “adopt similar policies at the national level to uphold consistent standards across the sport,” adding that the same principles apply to all competitions.

The World Anti-Doping Agency described the Enhanced Games as “a dangerous and irresponsible project” and criticized for putting the athletes’ health at risk and undermining fair play.

However, it has also attracted significant investment from billionaire Peter Thiel, the son of Donald Trump Jr., the US president’s son, and a venture capital fund led by him.

Husain al Musallam, president of World Aquatics, said, “Those who encourage doped sport are not welcome at our events.”