Ben Proud’s Doping Decision: A Risky Gamble for His Future and the Integrity of Sport

“Nothing’s changed for me,” British swimmer Ben Proud mentioned recently, but his move to the Enhanced Games signals a major shift in his career. This isn’t simply a new competition format; it’s a bold choice to embrace performance-enhancing drugs in a bid to break world records.

The Enhanced Games, backed by influential figures in the biohacking community, offers rewards up to $1 million for record-breaking feats. The founder, Aron d’Souza, claims that their ultimate aim is to “cheat death” and defeat aging, raising questions about the implications for athlete health and integrity.

The first event is set for next May in Las Vegas, and Proud’s involvement is significant. He’s not just any athlete; he’s an Olympic medalist with a bright future. His participation could influence others, especially since he is still a strong contender in the traditional Olympics.

Australian swimmer James Magnussen was the first to join the Enhanced Games, but he was already retired. In contrast, Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev did break a record under Enhanced Games rules, though it flew under the radar. The organization claimed a surge of interest, reportedly gaining 4,000 inquiries in one day, but it struggled to attract current top-tier talents—until Proud stepped in.

Concerns are mounting, particularly about health risks. History shows that the use of steroids has led to tragic outcomes in sports. The Australian Sports Commission’s Kieren Perkins recently warned that the Enhanced Games could lead to severe athlete injuries or even deaths.

D’Souza assures that all athletes will undergo health screenings, aiming for a safe event. His comments hint at a desire to avoid public relations disasters, like an athlete collapsing on live television. Proud, for his part, stated he plans to be careful regarding which substances he uses, though his understanding of the risks seems limited.

He admitted he’s “coming into this blind” and didn’t seem fully informed about the substances involved. His responses raised eyebrows, as he placed trust in advisors rather than demonstrating a clear understanding of his health choices.

Skepticism exists regarding the scientific backing of the Enhanced Games. Notably, George Church, a member of its scientific panel, recently faced controversy when a gene therapy paper he co-authored was retracted due to flaws. Meanwhile, another panelist, Justin Stebbing, was previously found guilty of professional misconduct in patient care.

These issues highlight the risks Proud faces and the broader implications for a sport that values integrity. His choice raises alarms for governing bodies, signaling that the current offerings in traditional sports may need to improve to retain elite athletes.

Proud’s departure highlights significant gaps in compensation and support for athletes, leading some to question whether the allure of the Enhanced Games might overshadow legitimate competitions. Olympic gold medalist Duncan Scott voiced this concern, suggesting that if financial rewards don’t increase in the traditional sports world, more athletes might opt for the Enhanced Games.

The Enhanced Games target several sports—track and field, swimming, gymnastics, weightlifting, and combat sports—all facing their own challenges regarding athlete pay. Without changes, these traditional avenues risk losing talent to a risky new venture that prioritizes profit over safety.

It’s a critical moment for sports organizations. They must articulate why their path is preferable, emphasizing long-term medical support, pensions, and a commitment to athlete health. Key to winning back athletes is showcasing the benefits they provide—beyond merely criticizing alternatives.

Ultimately, this shift highlights a dangerous dilemma. For Proud and others, it’s not just about personal choices. It could reshape the future of competitive sports, posing threats to athlete health and the very fabric of sport itself.

With these developments, the sporting community must take action—not just to safeguard athletes, but to preserve the spirit and integrity of competition.



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