World Aquatics Places Ban On Enhanced Games Participants

Enhanced Games is an "alternative" to the Olympics that allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs.

The governing body for all aquatic sports has introduced a new rule.

World Aquatics has placed a ban on those who participate in the controversial Enhanced Games.

The event is an “alternative” to the Olympics that allows athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs. Participants do not have to be tested and do not have to declare which substances they took in order to compete.

The inaugural games will take place in May of 2026 and include events from swimming, weightlifting, and athletics.

World Aquatics introduced a new bylaw that took effect immediately stating that 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.”

The ineligibility would apply to roles such as athlete, coach, team official, administrator, medical support staff, or government representative.