USA Swimming Sends Letter to National Team Warning Them of Enhanced Games Risks

USA Swimming has issued a warning to National Team Athletes, Coaches, and Support Staff regarding potential involvement with the Enhanced Games, a new pro-performance-enhancing drug (PED) sporting competition set to take place in 2026.

This caution comes after the Enhanced Games unveiled details about its approach to competition, including a notable achievement by former Olympic finalist Kristian Gkolomeev, who reportedly broke the AQUA World Record in the 50-meter freestyle under the competition’s doping protocol while wearing a polyurethane suit, a type of gear banned in standard AQUA events.

Gkolomeev’s success in this environment earned him a significant reward of $1 million.

In a letter distributed to its members, USA Swimming highlighted the heightened scrutiny from both the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) towards those associated with the Enhanced Games.

The governing body emphasised that even without direct involvement in doping, affiliations with the Games could jeopardise athletes’ eligibility for future competitions due to existing anti-doping regulations.

USA Swimming made it clear that while mere participation in the Enhanced Games does not, at present, constitute a rule violation, the agency cautioned that associations with individuals serving suspensions for prior doping violations could lead to infringements of anti-doping rules.

The governing body strongly advised anyone considering participation—be it as an athlete, coach, official, or in any administrative or business role—to critically assess how such involvement could negatively impact their career, reputation, and the broader sports community.

The letter comes in light of rising connections between elite athletes and the Enhanced Games, with notable figures like James Magnussen, Andriy Govorov, and coach Brett Hawke publicly associated with this new competition.

Despite these affiliations, no specific athletes have been named by anti-doping organisations.

There remains considerable ambiguity around the status of coaches and athletes transitioning from the traditional swimming path in light of the Enhanced Games initiative, where questions are being raised about the legal and ethical implications of competing without PEDs while potentially wearing banned suits.

Recent reports indicate that various U.S. National Team athletes have been approached about possible participation in the Enhanced Games, although it remains unclear whether these contacts originated from the central organising body or less directly connected parties.

Given the contentious nature of the Enhanced Games, there are also ongoing discussions about the feasibility of competing without resorting to PED use while still donning outlawed attire, although USA Swimming’s earlier correspondence hints at substantial risks tied to this course of action.

Overall, USA Swimming’s comprehensive communication underscores the organisation’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of sport, compliance with anti-doping measures, and safeguarding the future of its athletes.

The complete letter from USA Swimming is made available to provide all pertinent information to its members regarding these developments.

The emphasis on maintaining open communication channels also highlights the organisation’s proactive stance in navigating these evolving discussions within the realm of competitive swimming.

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