A new sporting event’s controversial pitch: Performance-enhancing drugs welcome
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- The Enhanced Games, launching in Las Vegas, is a one-day competition that openly allows the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), challenging traditional anti-doping rules in elite sports.
- Forty-two athletes, including past Olympic medalists, can choose to use PEDs under medical supervision during a 12-week trial, with drugs such as testosterone esters and human growth hormone being commonly used.
- The event offers substantial financial incentives, with $250,000 prizes for winners and $1 million for breaking world records, attracting athletes frustrated by low Olympic earnings.
- The Games have faced strong condemnation from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee for promoting doping, which they say undermines the integrity of sport.
- Founded by Aron D’Souza and funded by investors including Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., the Enhanced Games aim to commercialize performance enhancement through live events and product sales, despite significant backlash and reputational risks for participating athletes.