The Enhanced Games is the brainchild of billionaire Aron D'Souza, who wants to rival the Olympics with three major differences: impressive prize money, competitors representing only themselves and, above all, the possibility of doping.

This doping, which is legal under their rules but illegal at the Olympics, is intended as an experiment to test human performance and has been highly controversial due to fears of health risks.

The organisers say that by freeing athletes from the tyranny of anti-doping agencies and embracing technology, the Enhanced Games aim "to safely evolve mankind into a new superhumanity”. However, this has not deterred athletes from taking part - on the contrary, they are taking an interest in the Enhanced Games, which is helping to make the event more attractive to spectators.

At the highest level, the only support has come from swimmer James Magnussen, who admits he would be willing to "dope his brains out" to break the men's 50m freestyle world record and take home $1.5 million (€1.3 million). He told Channel Seven's Spotlight program that his only concern is for one very specific part of his body, and that is the fear of a side effect.

"The only thing I've thought about is a possible side effect, like freezing the sperm before starting the protocol. I think that's a pretty sensible measure," said the former Australian representative in London and Rio.

Not just any kind of doping, but one prescribed by a doctor and with constant monitoring to check for side effects or possible risks, reminded the two-time Olympian, who is becoming the main attraction of the Enhanced Games.

Magnussen is good at stirring up controversy and making statements: as a podcaster and media contributor, he has denounced the Games' performance-enhancing practices and criticised the fact that people have to sleep on cardboard beds. He believes that the level and logistics of the Games are now too much.

Magnussen and the doping

The 32-year-old, who won the 100m freestyle world titles in 2011 and 2013, plans to come out of retirement and compete in the "Enhanced Games", where banned substances will be allowed. He has also won three Olympic medals (a bronze at Rio 2016 and a silver and a bronze at London 2012), as well as a gold in the 4x100 freestyle at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona and a gold in the 4x100 freestyle at the 2014 Pan Pacific Games. 

The 2023 Games, founded by London-based Australian businessman Aron D'Souza, would not be subject to World Anti-Doping Agency rules - a concept that has been criticised as dangerous. According to the Games website, all participating athletes will receive a base salary and prize money that will be "larger than any other comparable event in history". 

Australian swimmers James Magnussen and Christian Sprenger have claimed it would be unfair if they were to lose their Olympic relay bronze medals after London 2012 team mate Brenton Rickard revealed a sample he provided at the Games had tested positive for a banned substance.

Superhumans

The organisers say that by freeing athletes from the tyranny of anti-doping agencies and embracing technology, the Enhanced Games aim "to safely evolve mankind into a new superhumanity”. 

But researchers who have studied the effects of performance-enhancing drugs told Agence France-Presse they fear the Games will push athletes to dope at such extreme levels they could risk heart attack, stroke or even death. It remains unclear if the Enhanced Games will actually be held at all. 

The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) has expressed its full support for the joint statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) condemning the possible introduction of the so-called ‘Enhanced Games’.

Aron D’Souza, founder and president of the organisation, envisions it not just as a sporting event but as a “scientific journey,” with a $1 million (€920,000) reward for athletes who break records. The Games are scheduled to take place in 2025, with negotiations on the venue and broadcast "very advanced".