James Magnussen Finishes Last at Enhanced Games Despite Doping
Quick Look
- James Magnussen finished last in the men's 100m freestyle at the Enhanced Games, over 2 seconds slower than his personal best, despite undergoing supervised doping.
- Kristian Gkolomeev won the event.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Enhanced Games is a controversial event where athletes are permitted to use performance-enhancing drugs. James Magnussen, an Australian Olympian, participated in the men's 100-metre freestyle event.
James Magnussen finished over 2 seconds outside of his 100-metre freestyle best at the Enhanced Games despite having undergone two years of supervised doping.
Magnussen still claimed $US50,000 for turning up at the event.
The winner of the event, Kristian Gkolomeev, was 0.2 seconds outside of Pan Zhanle's 100m freestyle world record.
James Magnussen's first foray into the contentious Enhanced Games was a disappointment, with the doped-up Australian Olympian finishing dead last in the men's 100-metre freestyle.
Incredibly, the Olympic silver medallist was well beaten by American Hunter Armstrong, who entered the event as a "non-enhanced athlete".
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev came closest to breaking Pan Zhanle's record of 46.40, swimming 46.60.
Armstrong came second in 48.09, a new personal best for the 25-year-old American.
Ireland's Shane Ryan trailed in third with 48.92 while Magnussen was last, swimming 49.44, over 2 seconds slower than his own personal best.
The result will be particularly jarring for the 35-year-old disgraced Aussie, who was wearing a garish gold super suit, the sort banned by World Aquatics in 2009, in recognition of him being the first athlete to sign up for the controversial event in February 2024.
Magnussen will likely not be too worried about the time though: even finishing fourth he will pocket $US50,000 ($A70,000).
He will also swim the 50m freestyle at the event.
Athletes can claim a $US1 million bonus for breaking the existing world record at the inaugural Enhanced Games, which are taking place in a purpose-built arena in Las Vegas.
The swimming is taking place in a 50m, four-lane pool.
The concept of the Enhanced Games is that athletes can take performance-enhancing drugs including testosterone, EPO and human growth hormone.
Track and field sprinting and weightlifting are also taking place.
The International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency have called the concept a dangerous "betrayal" of sports integrity.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further condemnation from sports governing bodies and anti-doping agencies.
Very likely · Within days
Increased debate on the definition and future of professional sports.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What is the long-term impact of the Enhanced Games on sports integrity?
- Will other major athletes join the Enhanced Games?
- What are the health risks associated with the supervised doping at the Enhanced Games?
- How will regulatory bodies like WADA and IOC respond further to the Enhanced Games?