The Enhanced Games had already pulled off a coup by attracting James Magnussen, three-time long course world champion and three-time Olympic medalist. They passed a step further by convincing Benjamin Proud, who, unlike Magnussen, still swims at the highest level. The Briton was Olympic 50m freestyle silver medalist he is just ten months old. World champion of the distance in 2017 and 2022, Proud has however decided to turn the page, at only 30 years old, to touch the promised jackpot.
A decision that automatically excludes him from the international circuit due to the Enhanced Games rules regarding doping substances. My ambition has always been to be the fastest man on the planet. I spent years striving to achieve this goal in traditional sports, but my motivations have changed, he assumes. Today, I want to focus on performing at the highest level and set myself new challengesEnhanced Games gives me this chance: testing the limits of human potential thanks to the tools and possibilities of our time. »
Proud will have the chance to win $250.000 if he wins his race next May in Las Vegas. If he breaks a world record, he could even receive a check for a million dollarsMaximilian Martin, CEO of Enhanced Games, obviously puffed out his chest: " Our mission is to provide athletes with the opportunity to perform at their highest level and be compensated commensurate with their incredible talent. Ben's decision to join us underscores the growing appeal of Enhanced Games »
The British Swimming Federation took a logically different view, expressing its disappointment in a statement: " Aquatics GB, along with its partners, strongly supports the values and principles of clean sport and condemns Ben's decision in the strongest possible terms. »
