23 May 2025

Doping set to be encouraged at "Enhanced" Games

From Nights, 10:18 pm on 23 May 2025

A controversial new sporting event is set to debut in Las Vegas next May - one where athletes will be allowed, and even encouraged, to use performance-enhancing drugs.

Earlier this week, organisers of the Enhanced Games announced the event will take place from May 21 to 24, right on the Las Vegas Strip.

Athletes are allowed full access to substances and therapies that are banned in virtually every other elite sporting environment.

Sporting bodies around the world have condemned the event. The head of the US Anti-Doping Agency went as far as calling it a "dangerous clown show."

Emeritus Professor Dave Gerrard is a former Olympic swimmer and has worked with both Drug Free Sport New Zealand and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

He speaks to Emile Donovan.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - DECEMBER 05: Dr Dave Gerrard during the 2019 New Zealand Olympic Committee Gala Dinner at the Cordis Hotel on December 05, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Photo: 2019 Getty Images