The Enhanced Games: A New Perspective on Performance-Enhancing Drugs

What would happen if elite athletes could freely use performance-enhancing drugs? The Enhanced Games, often referred to as the “Steroid Olympics,” might offer some insight into this question. In these games, athletes are allowed to use any performance-enhancing substances as long as they are under medical supervision and approved by the Food and Drug Administration—though cocaine and heroin are banned. Athletes had the option to compete in either “enhanced” or “non-enhanced” categories.

Australian swimmer James Magnussen, competing in the “enhanced” category, showcased a strikingly changed physique. Once known for his lean build, he drew comparisons to a silverback gorilla. Magnussen had previously expressed his intention to “juice to the gills” in hopes of breaking world records, according to reports.

However, despite these efforts, Magnussen finished last in both the 100-meter and 50-meter freestyle events. In contrast, Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, also “enhanced,” emerged victorious in the men’s 100-meter and set a new, albeit unofficial, world record in the 50-meter freestyle, clocking in at 20.81 seconds. Notably, Gkolomeev was the only athlete to break a world record at the games, earning a $1 million bonus, while wearing a controversial “supersuit” that is banned in traditional Olympic events.

Another “enhanced” swimmer, Ben Proud, claimed first place in the men’s 50-meter butterfly, yet it wasn’t all clear-cut; improvement through enhancement didn’t guarantee a win.

On the flip side, American swimmer Hunter Armstrong, competing without enhancements, took first place in the men’s 50-meter backstroke, while Fred Kerley, also non-enhanced, won the men’s 100-meter dash.

The Enhanced Games have attracted investments from notable figures, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. They were founded by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza.

Some observers interpret the victories of Armstrong and Kerley—and Magnussen’s defeats—as evidence that performance enhancements might not always lead to success. It appears that athletes with natural genetic advantages and extensive training might outperform enhanced competitors.

However, an interesting thought arises: what if those naturally gifted athletes decided to enhance themselves? Imagine the possibilities if a prime Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt were to engage in such practices.

(Just to clarify, both Phelps and Bolt have not tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, and Phelps has advocated for stricter anti-doping measures.)

The Enhanced Games provoke a kind of experimental exploration of human limits, and I find that fascinating. If these “enhanced” athletes manage to break records, we get an extraordinary showcase of human capability. If they don’t, well, it’s a different story altogether.