Enhanced Games dismisses timing doubts over Gkolomeev's world record
Quick Look
The Enhanced Games has dismissed claims that Kristian Gkolomeev's world record time was mistakenly timed, calling them "completely unfounded internet drivel." The Greek swimmer's 20.81-second 50m freestyle was faster than the official world record, but will not count due to performance-enhancing drugs and an outlawed skinsuit.
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Why It Matters
Online sleuths suggested that a world record set by Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev in the Enhanced Games was mistakenly timed. Gkolomeev's time of 20.81 seconds in the 50m freestyle was faster than the official world record, but will not count for official purposes due to his use of performance-enhancing drugs and an outlawed skinsuit.
The Enhanced Games has dismissed suggestions by online sleuths that a world record set in Sunday’s event was mistakenly timed, calling them “completely unfounded internet drivel”.
Some accounts on Instagram had noted that the Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev appeared to touch the wall after his time of 20.81 seconds in the men’s 50m freestyle flashed up on screen.
That was 0.07sec quicker than the world record set by the Australian Cameron McEvoy in March, although it will not count for official purposes as Gkolomeev was using performance-enhancing drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and wearing an outlawed skinsuit. Both are believed to give a boost of about 2%, according to the Briton Ben Proud, who finished second.
An Enhanced Games spokesperson said its timing apparatus had been operated by Primetime Timing, “a recognised, reputable, ISO certified system used in countless other international events and never questioned.
“Any suggestions Kristian’s time is illegitimate is disrespectful to his achievement, highly speculative, completely unfounded and largely internet drivel that we reject.
“It’s also important to note we warmly welcomed and cooperated with United States Anti-Doping Association and World Aquatics representatives who arrived unannounced mid-event to test two athletes.
“Our staff immediately prioritised their request and fully complied – yet another reflection of Enhanced’s commitment to respecting other sporting bodies. These continued accusations reflect an unwillingness by some to acknowledge the remarkable performance from our athletes who set 22 personal best records last night.”
The Enhanced Games spokesperson said that Primetime Timing had stood by their system. “Our provider stands by the certification and integrity of their system. Enhanced welcomed USA Swimming certified Meet Administration Officials onsite who verified the operating system throughout the event.
“Additionally, we provided 200+ journalists from 25 countries in attendance a tour and review of the arena including allowing them to take measurements of the pool or track, as well as any other verification they requested.”
Gkolomeev’s performance was hailed by Enhanced Games’ CEO Max Martin, who bowed at his feet after the race. “We have arrived in mainstream culture,” Martin claimed. “We are here to stay. We have changed the world tonight.”
However the Australian swimmer McEvoy, who holds the official record, was less impressed. “Seriously?! That’s all you got!” he posted on social media.
This is not the first time swimming timing systems have been questioned. During the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps’s victory in the men’s 100m butterfly was questioned due to the force applied to the touchpad and was subject to a protest from Serbia.
One potential explanation for people querying Gkolomeev’s time was that the clock was not quite synced correctly to the livestream.
Open Questions
- Will the Enhanced Games face further scrutiny regarding their timing systems?
- What is the long-term impact of these controversies on the credibility of the Enhanced Games?
- Will there be any official investigation into the timing system despite the Enhanced Games' dismissal of claims?
