President of World Athletics, Lord Coe, dismisses the notion of the Enhanced Games, an Olympics-style event advocating for the allowance of doping. Coe labels the concept as nonsensical.
Founded by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza in 2023, the Enhanced Games would operate outside the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
D’Souza claims that athletes scheduled to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics have shown interest in competing in this alternative event.
Coe strongly condemns any athlete considering participation, branding such a decision as “moronic” and warning of severe penalties, including lengthy bans.
“I can’t really get excited about it,” Coe said at a news conference before the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, which run from Friday to Sunday.
“There’s only one message and that is if anybody is moronic enough to feel that they want to take part in that, and they are from the traditional, philosophical end of our sport, they’ll get banned and they’ll get banned for a long time.”
Earlier this month, James Magnussen, a former world champion swimmer, announced his decision to end his retirement and participate in the Enhanced Games. He aims to surpass the 50m freestyle record, set in 2009, in exchange for a $1 million (£792,600) reward.
The event is expected to feature a variety of sports such as athletics, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, and combat sports. However, specific details regarding the date and venue have not yet been finalized.
Aron D’Souza stated that athletes who have reached out to him are eager to capitalize on opportunities to earn significant income during non-Olympic years.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has strongly criticized the Enhanced Games, labeling it as “a dangerous and irresponsible concept.”
“I’m sure there are crazy things happening in other sectors, we occasionally get them,” added Coe.
“I really don’t get sleepless nights over it. It’s not going to be a page turner, is it?”
In response to Coe’s comments, D’Souza said: “The Enhanced Games will allow both natural and enhanced athletes to compete side by side – with no requirement for anyone to be enhanced.
“We have been clear about this from the outset, and I can assure Lord Coe that there will be nothing ‘moronic’ about our athletes.”