Olympic silver medallist Proud to join controversial Enhanced Games

Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has sparked controversy by announcing he will compete in the Enhanced Games, a competition that openly allows athletes to take banned performance-enhancing drugs. Proud, a world and European champion in the 50m freestyle, is the first British athlete to commit to the event.

The 30-year-old, who won silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics but has never won an Olympic gold or broken the world record, said the Enhanced Games give him "a new opportunity to continue this pursuit." He argues that his participation is not "undermining a clean sport," seeing the two as "two very separate entities."

Proud's decision has been met with swift and strong condemnation. Aquatics GB, the national governing body for swimming, expressed its disappointment and stated it "condemns Ben's decision in the strongest terms." UK Sport is also reviewing Proud's eligibility for public funding, as participating in the event would violate anti-doping policies.

International bodies have also weighed in. World Aquatics has already banned athletes from its events if they compete in the Enhanced Games, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has called the concept "a dangerous and irresponsible concept."

Proud, however, defended his position, stating that his move is a way to continue pushing boundaries after achieving all he could within the rules of traditional sports. He also criticized the current anti-doping system, calling it a "cat and mouse game" where agencies struggle to keep up with cheaters.

"That's one thing that has ruined sport for a lot of people," Proud said, adding that he is "incredibly disappointed" when athletes in "clean" sports break the rules.

Despite his past support for anti-doping initiatives, Proud's decision puts him at odds with the British Olympic Association, UK Sport, and fellow athletes who stand firmly against doping. His participation in the Enhanced Games will bar him from all international competitions sanctioned by governing bodies that adhere to WADA rules.