Australian Olympic chief Mark Arbib criticises ‘dangerous and risky’ Enhanced Games initiative

The head of the Australian Olympic Committee, Mark Arbib, has branded the Enhanced Games as “dangerous” following a renewed interest in the concept after an unofficial record was set in the men’s 50m freestyle event.

In February, former Olympian Kristian Gkolomeev set the record with a time of 20.89 seconds, securing a prize of $1.5 million offered by founder Aron D’Souza, while Australian swimmer James Magnussen missed out.

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Arbib discussed the escalating interest related to the Enhanced Games.

“It’s a risky and hazardous initiative,” stated Arbib.

“It’s crucial to remember that the prohibition of drugs in sport primarily stems from health considerations. We prioritise the wellbeing of athletes and the community. The use of these substances can seriously harm health and, in some cases, be fatal.

“Therefore, any event that encourages the use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids, is not something we would ever endorse or support.

“This runs counter to the core values of the Olympic movement. We advocate for fairness in competition and uphold the principles of Olympism. This enterprise is purely commercial, aimed at profit, and it undermines efforts against drug use in sport.”

The Enhanced Games are slated for launch next year in Las Vegas, featuring a range of Olympic events including swimming.

A prize of US$1 million will again be available for breaking the 100m or 50m freestyle record.

However, the situation becomes complicated as athletes will receive appearance fees. This allows Olympians to participate without using drugs but still earn money.

The Herald reported that Arbib had not yet discussed the possibility of prohibiting Australian athletes from competing.

“Yet, as Cam McEvoy, one of our Olympic gold medallists, commented today: if athletes are using drugs or steroids, those records should not count,” he added.

“Ultimately, this is a perilous commercial venture, and the entire Olympic movement disapproves of it. We hope all of our athletes will share this view and refrain from involvement.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued a statement labelling the Enhanced Games as a “dangerous and irresponsible concept.”

“There have been numerous accounts of athletes suffering severe long-term health effects from using banned substances and methods, with some fatalities,” the statement noted.

“This is an issue that should unite all anti-doping organisations and governments globally, particularly in the US where the event is anticipated to occur. We encourage all our partners in clean sport, including athletes, to join us in denouncing this event, regardless of its wealthy and influential backers.

“The organisers’ focus during the Las Vegas launch appears to be on promoting their products while downplaying the associated risks. Encouraging elite athletes to leverage their profiles to endorse the use of prohibited and potentially hazardous substances poses a significant risk, especially to young athletes.”