Team GB medallist explains why he has joined controversial Enhanced Games

12 Sep 2025 • 4:20 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, a silver medallist at Paris 2024, has announced he will join the controversial Enhanced Games.
  • The Enhanced Games permit athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), with only substances approved by the US Food and Drug Administration allowed.
  • Proud's decision means he will be unable to compete in any events sanctioned by World Aquatics, including future Olympic Games.
  • Proud stated his ambition is to be the fastest man on the planet and to test the limits of human potential through the Enhanced Games.
  • Wada, Aquatics GB, and UK Sport have strongly condemned the Enhanced Games, calling it dangerous and irresponsible, and expressing disappointment in Proud's decision.

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