Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee has voiced profound concerns about the potential dangers facing athletes who participate in the upcoming Enhanced Games, a controversial multi-sport competition that permits the use of performance-enhancing substances. The British star, who will compete in front of home fans in London this summer, fears for the wellbeing of competitors lured by substantial financial incentives.
Health Risks Outweigh Financial Rewards
Yee emphasised that banned substances are prohibited for valid health reasons, stating that his primary emotion towards the Enhanced Games is one of apprehension. "My first emotion is that it seems quite dangerous. There's a reason why substances are banned and it's priority to health and wellbeing of our athletes, primarily," he explained.
The athlete highlighted disturbing historical precedents, noting: "You hear about so many people from different walks of life who were doping in previous generations, who are having to stand up in the middle of the night because otherwise their heart will stop moving and stuff like that." Yee expressed concern that serious health consequences could emerge from such competitions, with athletes taking significant risks primarily for financial benefit.
Former Teammates Among Competitors
Two of Yee's former Team GB colleagues have already committed to the inaugural Enhanced Games scheduled for Las Vegas on 24 May. Sprinter Reece Prescod and swimmer Ben Proud are among those attracted by the competition's substantial rewards, including a $1 million bonus for breaking world records.
Organisers maintain that all performance-enhancing substances available at the Enhanced Games have received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, with athletes under close medical supervision. The company behind the event, backed by investors including Donald Trump Jr and Peter Thiel, has even launched a supplements business to offer similar products to the general public.
Questioning the Future of Clean Sport
Yee admitted he would likely avoid watching the Enhanced Games, despite acknowledging the record-breaking performances already achieved within its framework. Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev broke the long course 50m freestyle world record in a private race last year, while controversial US sprinter Fred Kerly has since enrolled.
The triathlete identified a deeper issue within contemporary sport, noting: "It sadly comes as a consequence of there being, in some sports, little to no financial incentive." He pointed to Ben Proud's own concerns about financial viability in clean sports as particularly telling.
Yee questioned why elite sport cannot provide adequate financial rewards through natural competition, asking: "Why we can't just do that through elite sport now?" He emphasised the importance of making clean sports financially viable for athletes who aspire to compete at events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
London Return and Future Ambitions
Meanwhile, Yee continues to focus on his own distinguished career in traditional competition. The Lewisham native, who secured triathlon gold at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, will headline the World Triathlon Championship Series when it returns to London this summer for the first time since 2015.
This event forms part of his preparation for the LA 2028 Olympics, but Yee has hinted at intriguing future possibilities. Beyond Los Angeles, he revealed potential interest in competing at the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which could potentially be held in London.
"Post-LA, we have some really exciting things coming up in the athletics calendar. There's hopefully going to be a World Champs in 2029 so that is a really exciting prospect," Yee disclosed. He expressed particular enthusiasm about competing in London, stating: "For me, the opportunity to race in London is something I don't shy away from. It's something I really want to do and am really excited by."
While uncertain about specific plans, Yee suggested a natural transition might occur after his Olympic commitments conclude, indicating that future decisions will become clearer following his LA 2028 campaign.
