Enhanced Games File $800M Lawsuit Towards WADA, USA Swimming, World Aquatics

Organizers behind the Enhanced Games filed an $800 million antitrust lawsuit towards World Aquatics, USA Swimming and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Competition president Aron D’Souza advised the Associated Press’ Eddie Pells the swimsuit facilities round a bylaw World Aquatics adopted in June with the Enhanced Games in thoughts.

“Under the new Bylaw, individuals who support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events, or other activities,” the federation stated.

D’Souza advised Pells the rule is “causing irreparable harm to our ability to sign athletes.”

D’Souza first announced the Enhanced Games in 2023 as a substitute for athletic competitions the place athletes face common drug testing. Participants are permitted to make use of performance-enhancing medicine or substances that might in any other case be banned by WADA.

“Athletes who are both ‘natural’ and ‘enhanced’ can compete at the games,” D’Souza stated. “That’s part of the narrative that makes this interesting. Can a ‘natural’ athlete beat an ‘enhanced’ athlete?”

Five athletes, all from aquatics, have signed with the Enhanced Games thus far. The Games are scheduled to carry their inaugural showcase in May 2026 in Las Vegas, with occasions in swimming, monitor and subject, and weightlifting.