Las Vegas, NV – The Enhanced Games, which concluded Monday in Las Vegas, spotlighted the ethical complexities of performance enhancement in sports and the potential consequences for athlete well-being. While Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claimed a world record in the men's 50m freestyle with a time of 20.81 seconds, his achievement, facilitated by performance-enhancing drugs, underscores the inherent inequity of the competition. His time was only 0.08 seconds faster than the official world record set in March by Australian Cameron McEvoy.

The event, which permitted doping, raises concerns about coercion and the pressure athletes may face to use substances to remain competitive. CEO Maximilian Martin's pronouncements of changing the world ring hollow when considering the potential long-term health impacts on participants, particularly those from marginalized communities who may lack access to proper medical oversight and resources. Martin bowed at Gkolomeev’s feet following the swimmer's performance.

While organizers touted the Games as a way to redefine human limits, critics argue that they normalize dangerous practices and create an environment where athletes are treated as disposable commodities. The on-screen display of drug usage statistics – “90.5% testosterone esters. 78.6% human growth hormone. 61.9% stimulants. EPO 40.5%” – further objectifies athletes and reduces their accomplishments to mere chemical reactions.

The victories of three clean athletes – Fred Kerley in the men's 100m, Tristan Evelyn in the women's 100m, and Hunter Armstrong in the men's 50m backstroke – offer a counter-narrative, demonstrating the power of natural talent and dedication. However, their success also highlights the disadvantages faced by clean athletes competing against those who are enhanced. Kerley's comment, “Man, they need to do better than that. They need to work a little bit harder, get on that shit a little bit more,” while perhaps intended as competitive banter, normalizes drug use. Evelyn’s statement, “This proves that winning takes more than chemistry,” underscores the values of hard work and dedication that the Games seemingly disregard.

The Enhanced Games also perpetuate a culture of body shaming and unrealistic expectations. By prioritizing physical enhancement over genuine athleticism, they reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the objectification of athletes. This is particularly concerning for young people who may be susceptible to the allure of quick fixes and the pressure to conform to unattainable ideals.