What are the Enhanced Games and why are they controversial?

The multi-sport Enhanced Games will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subject to drug tests.

Those behind the proposal claim it will be the 'Olympics of the future', allowing athletes to take drugs in a bid to break 'world records'.

Founder Aron D'Souza believes athletes should be entitled to do what they wish with their own bodies.

But the Australian businessman's concept has been heavily criticised for the potential impact on athletes' health, and undermining fair play.

UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) said last year its mission was "to protect sport from doping cheats". It added: "There is no place in sport for performance-enhancing drugs, nor the Enhanced Games."

At a launch event on Wednesday, Las Vegas was announced as the host of the inaugural Enhanced Games, which will run from 21-24 May 2026.

Organisers said that under their permitted conditions, Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev had gone quicker than the 50m freestyle world record, which has stood since 2009.

D'Souza's idea has been backed by a venture capital fund which includes Donald Trump Jr - the son of the US president - and billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel.

It was first launched as a concept in 2023, when it was presented as an opportunity to beat world records for cash prizes up to $1m (£746,570).

World Athletics president Lord Coe has said taking part would be "moronic", and any competitor would face a lengthy ban.

D'Souza said his concept - which he wants to make an annual feature - was "truly extraordinary" and "shaping the future".

The first Enhanced Games will consist of events in short-course swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.

Participants are permitted to use some substances that are banned from elite sport, but cocaine and heroin are among those banned.

The Enhanced Games have said they will carry out some doping measures under medical supervision.

Only substances approved by the United States' Food and Drug istration, external (FDA) can be taken. That is a different list to the one the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) allows for elite athletes.

Gkolomeev is among those who will compete.

Ukrainian swimmer Andriy Govorov, who holds the world record for the 50m butterfly, and Bulgaria's Josif Miladinov - a European silver medallist in the 100m butterfly - have also signed up.

Australian former world champion James Magnussen came out of retirement to the Enhanced Games in 2024.

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