Even the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued a strong statement opposing the as-yet-unheld Enhanced Games. They go on to call the planned event “dangerous and irresponsible.” The next Enhanced Games will take place in Las Vegas, May 21-24, 2026. That’s because swimming, athletics, and weightlifting are coming up next—get ready for some fast-paced action! The debate has instead focused on the event’s promotion of prohibited drugs, raising huge issues about athlete welfare and safety.
WADA’s rebuke follows closely on the heels of the Enhanced Games’ announcement of its first happening, planned for 2023. ICE’s primary concern is the threat to health and safety that comes along with these banned drugs and practices. She made the audience aware of the harmful long-term side effects from these practices on athletes.
WADA’s Concerns
WADA’s statement sought to reassure athletes by saying that the health and well-being of athletes continues to be WADA’s first priority. The agency recognized that the Enhanced Games’ promotion of very strong, dangerous substances goes against this dedication.
“The health and well-being of athletes is WADA’s number-one priority. Clearly this event would jeopardize that as it seeks to promote the use of powerful substances and methods by athletes for the purposes of entertainment and marketing.” – WADA
The agency further pointed to historical examples in which athletes faced tragic outcomes as a result of using banned substances. WADA stressed that people have gone so far as to lose their lives due to this doping culture.
“Over the years, there have been many examples of athletes suffering serious long-term side-effects from their use of prohibited substances and methods. Some have died.” – WADA
Risks for Athletes
In doing so, WADA addressed athletes and athlete support personnel thinking about joining the Enhanced Games, cautioning them against committing anti-doping rule violations. The agency warned that their participation might ruin their reputations and professional careers.
“WADA warns athletes and support personnel who wish to participate in sport regulated by the World Anti-Doping Code, that if they were to take part in the Enhanced Games, they would risk committing anti-doping rule violations.” – WADA
WADA’s efforts were not simply altruistic. They were a marginally stronger statement about athletes’ reputations. They cautioned that even an indirect link to doping could follow athletes for their entire lives.
“They would also put their reputations on the line, as they would risk forever being associated with doping.” – WADA
The Enhanced Games Concept
The Enhanced Games wants to be the place where athletes can go to take PEDs openly and legally. This new effort, if successful, would be historic and is rattling the sports world. It fundamentally undermines the ideals of healthy competition and athlete well-being.
Events planned for the inaugural games include swimming, athletics, and weightlifting, all of which have historically faced scrutiny regarding doping. The widespread endorsement or use of these now-banned substances has raised serious questions about the impact on competitive integrity in sport.
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