\n<\/p>\n
World Aquatics has become the first international federation to ban athletes, coaches and officials from its events if they have taken part in the controversial Enhanced Games.<\/b><\/p>\n
The new event promotes banned performance-enhancing drugs and the inaugural Enhanced Games are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from 21-24 May 2026.<\/p>\n
There are plans for it to be an annual competition, initially comprising short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.<\/p>\n
Last month, Enhanced Games organisers said Greece’s Kristian Gkolomeev swam 20.89 seconds in a 50m freestyle time trial in the US in February, 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazil’s Cesar Cielo in 2009.<\/p>\n
World Aquatics said it has introduced a new bylaw “that reinforces its steadfast commitment to clean sport”.<\/p>\n
It added: “Under the new bylaw, individuals who support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and\/or prohibited methods will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events, or other activities. <\/p>\n
“This ineligibility would apply to roles such as athlete, coach, team official, administrator, medical support staff, or government representative.”<\/p>\n
World Aquatics said it also encouraged its member associations to “adopt similar policies at the national level to uphold consistent standards across the sport”.<\/p>\n
The Enhanced Games has been criticised for endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play, with the World Anti-Doping Agency describing it as a “dangerous and irresponsible project”., external<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n However, it has also attracted heavyweight backing from a venture capital fund headed up by Donald Trump Jr, the US president’s son, and billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel.<\/p>\n “Those who enable doped sport are not welcome at World Aquatics or our events,” said World Aquatics president Husain al Musallam. <\/p>\n “This new bylaw ensures that we can continue to protect the integrity of our competitions, the health and safety of our athletes, and the credibility of the global aquatics community.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n