Ask Onix
Gkolomeev sets unofficial 50m freestyle record in Las Vegas
Kristian Gkolomeev of Greece became the sole athlete to surpass a world record at the inaugural Enhanced Games, clocking 20.81 seconds in the men's 50m freestyle. His time beat Australian Cameron McEvoy's March mark of 20.88 seconds, though global sports authorities refuse to recognize it.
Controversial event draws sharp criticism
The Enhanced Games, held in Las Vegas, permit athletes to use banned performance-enhancing drugs. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have declared the competition illegal, labeling it a "circus built on shortcuts."
Gkolomeev competed in a polyurethane suit, prohibited in official meets, and earned $1.25 million for his victory and record.
"This is going to change my life for the good. It's a big help for me and my family. I'll continue next year-maybe break it again."
Kristian Gkolomeev
Other athletes fall short of official records
Forty-two competitors, most using banned substances, set 13 personal bests. American sprinter Fred Kerley, competing without enhancements, won the 100m in 9.97 seconds-slower than his 9.76 personal best.
Britain's Ben Proud, silver medalist in the 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, triumphed in the 50m butterfly with a time of 22.32 seconds, just 0.05 seconds off the world record.
"We all know what we came for-world records. To be that close is frustrating."
Ben Proud
Emily Barclay, another British swimmer, won the women's 50m freestyle in 24.09 seconds, half a second behind the world record. Weightlifter Hafthor Bjornsson, known for his role in Game of Thrones, failed to break his 510kg deadlift record.
Drugs and debate
The Enhanced Games allow substances approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, including testosterone, growth hormone, and anabolic steroids. Organizers argue that enhancement already exists in elite sport but is hidden, and that transparency makes it safer.
Critics disagree. The IOC and WADA call the event "immoral" and "dangerous," while World Athletics president Lord Coe branded participants "moronic." Several governing bodies have banned athletes for competing.
Who's behind the Enhanced Games?
Founded in 2023 by entrepreneurs Aron D'Souza and Maximilian Martin, the event has attracted backing from billionaire Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. Martin predicted athletes would break "quite a few" world records, though only Gkolomeev succeeded.
The event was held before a private audience of 2,500, with no public ticket sales.
