Ben Proud says loss of trust in anti-doping system prompted decision to join ‘Enhanced Games’

Ben Proud, the Olympic silver medallist and sprint freestyle world champion, said a loss of trust in anti-doping authorities and British swimming contributed to his decision to sign up for the inaugural Enhanced Games, a competition that permits performance-enhancing drugs and is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in May 2026.

UK Sport reacted with outrage after Proud, 30, became the first British athlete to commit to the event, which organisers say will offer substantial prize money. The government agency that distributes National Lottery funding to Olympic and Paralympic sport warned it could withdraw financial support for athletes who take part, and competing in the Enhanced Games will automatically make Proud ineligible for international competition under current anti-doping rules.

Proud, a world and European champion at 50 metres freestyle, told The Times that documentaries and recent doping controversies had eroded his faith in the system. "I watched that documentary about it, Icarus. That was a really painful documentary for me to see," he said, referring to the Russia doping revelations around the Sochi Games. He added that subsequent questions about how other cases were handled, pointing to an incident in which 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive in 2021 were allowed to compete at the Paris Games in 2024, left him "hurtful" and unconvinced the authorities can maintain a level playing field.

"We dedicate such a big portion of our lives to this, and the fact that there could be people slipping through the system unscathed is quite hurtful," Proud said. He described himself as "a sucker for rules" who has generally complied with anti-doping requirements but said the combination of perceived inconsistency in enforcement and limited financial rewards for British swimmers contributed to his decision. "I might take you all the way back to Sochi... I did then say to myself, it's easier for me just to completely ignore it and focus on myself," he said.

Organisers of the Enhanced Games say the event, backed by investment group 1789 Equity with reported support in part from Donald Trump Jr., has secured funding "in the double-digit millions." Founder Aron D'Souza has said athletes will compete for purses of up to $500,000 per event, with bonuses starting at $250,000 for record-breaking performances. The format has been promoted as a challenge to the existing international anti-doping regime.

The proposal has drawn widespread criticism from the established anti-doping and sporting community. The World Anti-Doping Agency called the concept "dangerous and irresponsible," while Travis Tygart, chief executive of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, described it as "a clown show." The British Olympic Association said it remains "vehemently opposed" to what it called a "cynical and dangerous event." UK Sport issued a terse condemnation and warned it would consider withdrawing funding for any athlete choosing to compete.

Proud's decision marks a striking reversal for an athlete who has in the past campaigned against doping. He trains and competes alongside British swimmers such as Adam Peaty and Duncan Scott, both of whom have publicly opposed performance-enhancing drug use. His move is likely to draw disciplinary action from international federations and could effectively end his eligibility for future Olympic and World Championship selection while the Enhanced Games remains outside the World Anti-Doping Agency framework.

Medical and sporting bodies have also raised concerns about athlete safety. Critics say an event that permits the use of banned substances could expose participants to health risks and undermine years of anti-doping work intended to protect athletes and ensure fair competition.

Proud said he was prepared for the potential consequences of his decision, including the loss of funding. He framed the choice partly in economic terms, citing the limited prize money available to British swimmers at home and the opportunity the Enhanced Games presents. The organisers have emphasised financial incentives as a central feature of the event.

The announcement highlights tensions between athletes who see the existing anti-doping framework as imperfect and those who argue that permitting performance-enhancing drugs would endanger competitors and destroy the integrity of sport. As discussions continue, national governing bodies, funders and international regulators are likely to examine the implications for athlete welfare, funding eligibility and the broader governance of elite sport.

Proud's signing will keep the debate in the headlines as sporting authorities determine their responses and enforce eligibility rules. Any participation in Las Vegas in May 2026 would close the door on his return to World Anti-Doping Agency-compliant international competition for the duration of any applicable bans and governing-body sanctions.