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An Australian entrepreneur is creating a doping-encouraged Olympics

The Enhanced Games will include five sports disciplines and there will be no drug testing

Doping in sports and steroid abuse concept Photo by: Getty Images
June 29, 2023
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An Australian entrepreneur is aiming to develop a controversial alternative to the Olympic Games called “The Enhanced Games”, where athletes are free to participate without drug testing and are encouraged to embrace performance-enhancing drugs. Aaron D’Souza and his coalition of athletes, doctors, and scientists are on a mission to change the way people think about doping in the sports world, and the organization’s website features a list of “enhanced world records,” celebrating achievements of athletes who had their medals revoked for doping.

Stripped world records will be unstripped

The list includes none other than Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his seven Tours de France after admitting to using EPO for most of his career. Another is Canadian Ben Johnson, whose 100 m gold medal and world record at the 1988 Seoul Olympics was taken away after he tested positive for anabolic steroids. On the Enhanced Games website there is a comment that the International Olympic Committee has continued to “vilify enhanced athletes.”

“Each Olympiad, another cohort of brave athletes sets new world records, only to have their medals revoked, their careers suspended, and their names dragged through the mud. It is time to end this oppressive cycle. The Enhanced Games hereby reinstates the world records set by the following athletes and commends them for their bravery,” the statement reads.

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According to The Enhanced Games website, the event aims to provide an alternative to what organizers perceive as a corrupt Olympics. They criticize the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its alleged exploitation of athletes, lack of payment of athletes and rejection of “enhanced” world records. “The Enhanced Games promotes the use of science and focuses on core sports, aiming to break world records and ensure fair compensation for athletes.” They argue that performance-enhancing drugs, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance training outcomes and allow athletes to reach their full potential.

D’Souza believes his concept is morally justifiable, hoping that athletes who aren’t doping will confidently demonstrate their abilities against their drug-enhanced counterparts, creating compelling television.

Not such a popular concept among athletes

D’Souza’s concept has faced criticism from many, including the head of the Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll, who opposes the Enhanced Games, considering them “unsafe and irresponsible.” Carroll emphasizes the importance of clean and safe sports, highlighting the Olympic movement’s dedication to athletic excellence, friendship and respect. The concept has also been shunned by American sprinting legend Michael Johnson, who called the games “ridiculous” and an “illogical PR stunt for doped athletes” on Twitter. Johnson later deleted the tweet.

The specific details, such as the event’s date and location, have yet to be announced. In an interview with The Guardian, D’Souza says he has attracted investors from Silicon Valley, and that two prominent Australian athletes have shown interest in participatingThe Games are planned to be held on an annual basis.

The competition will include five sports disciplines: track and field, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics and combat sports. The Games are planned to be held on an annual basis.