Kyle Chalmers rejects near-$4 million offer to join Enhanced Games in Las Vegas

Australian Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers has rejected a near-$4 million offer to join the Enhanced Games ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas event next year. The 27-year-old freestyle sprinter, who became a father in August, remains focused on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, his management team said.

Chalmers, 27, was reportedly offered close to $4 million plus an ambassadorship for the controversial competition. The figures and terms were relayed by his manager, Phoebe Rothfield, who confirmed the decision.

"It is life-changing money for a swimmer, or any Australian Olympic athlete, for that matter," Rothfield said. "It could have set him and his young family up and helped with the mortgage, but Kyle said no from the onset."

Chalmers has previously spoken about pay in swimming, noting that prize money can be scarce and that athletes push on for love of the sport, but should not be judged for pursuing other opportunities.

"Something that's hard in our sport is there's not a huge amount of money or prizemoney on offer... and we kind of do it for the love of it," he said. "I'm not going to be a person that slams swimmers for wanting to go across and make some money and give themselves a better opportunity... or to set their families up. If they want to make that choice, then good on them."

Reports have said other Australian swimmers have been approached to join the Enhanced Games, though none have defected yet. Former Australian swimmer James Magnussen, who signed first for the venture, has suggested he would race while "juiced to the gills." British swimmer Ben Proud and Olympic 100m silver medallist Fred Kerley have also joined the field.

The Enhanced Games in Las Vegas are set to endorse the use of performance-enhancing drugs and will feature swimming, athletics and weightlifting in May 2026. If any world record is broken during the event, the prize pool would include $1.5 million for the record-breaker. The project is backed by Australian entrepreneur Aron D'Souza.

Chalmers' focus remains on representing Australia and chasing success at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. "What drives him is competing for his country, standing on the podium in the green and gold and doing the sport because he loves it," Rothfield said.