The inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas promised multiple world records and a redefinition of human capability with performance-enhancing drugs. However, by the end of the five-hour competition, only one world record was broken, and three clean athletes emerged victorious.
Gkolomeev's Record Brings Relief
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev set the only world record of the meet in the men's 50m freestyle, clocking 20.81 seconds, just 0.08 seconds faster than Australian Cameron McEvoy's official record. Though Gkolomeev used a banned skinsuit and was doping, his performance allowed organizers to claim success.
Enhanced Games CEO Maximilian Martin bowed at Gkolomeev's feet, declaring, "We have arrived in mainstream culture. We are here to stay. We have changed the world tonight." Martin added that the event proved enhancements can help people be their best.
Clean Athletes Triumph
Despite the majority of athletes using banned substances, three clean competitors won their events. Paris silver medalist Fred Kerley won the men's 100m, telling rivals they needed to "work a little bit harder, get on that shit a little bit more." Tristan Evelyn won the women's 100m in 11.25 seconds, stating, "This proves that winning takes more than chemistry." Hunter Armstrong of Australia won the men's 50m backstroke. Each earned $250,000.
Underwhelming Results
Several world record attempts failed, including Icelandic strongman Thor Bjornsson's deadlift and Beatriz Pirón's snatch. Organizers even granted Canadian lifter Boady Santavy an extra attempt after he failed, but he still fell short. The event's YouTube stream attracted around 250,000 viewers.
Despite the underwhelming results, Martin promised the Enhanced Games would return next year, saying, "Tonight we did expect a few more world records but this is live sports."
