Kristian Gkolomeev Breaks Unofficial World Record at Enhanced Games
Quick Look
- Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev set an unofficial world record in the men's 50m freestyle at the controversial Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, where performance-enhancing substances are permitted.
- Gkolomeev's time of 20.81 seconds surpassed Cameron McEvoy's official mark.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Enhanced Games is a divisive event where competitors are allowed to use performance-enhancing substances, sparking health concerns. Athletics governing bodies have stated they will not recognize records set at the event.
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev was the only athlete to beat a world record at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on Sunday, winning the men’s 50m freestyle at the divisive event where competitors were allowed to take performance-enhancing substances that have sparked health concerns.
His time of 20.81 seconds – which is not considered official – came in the final event of the night, sparing the blushes of organisers who had predicted that multiple world records would be surpassed due to an open and sophisticated doping regime.
Gkolomeev, who was also wearing a synthetic “supersuit” long banned at events such as the Olympics, went faster than Australia’s Cameron McEvoy’s mark of 20.88 seconds set in March.
“It was a great race ... I got it,” said Gkolomeev, who pocketed a US$1 million bonus for the unofficial record.
“I’m going to continue. Maybe next year I’ll break it again.”
The Enhanced Games have been denounced as dangerous by athletics governing bodies, who said they would not recognise records set at the event.
Open Questions
- What are the long-term health consequences for athletes using performance-enhancing substances at the Enhanced Games?
- Will any other major athletic bodies eventually recognize records from the Enhanced Games?
- What is the future outlook for the Enhanced Games given the controversy and health concerns?
