UK Sport ‘condemns’ Enhanced Games after GB Olympic medallist Ben Proud joins controversial occasion | UK News

UK Sport has stated it “condemns everything the Enhanced Games stands for” after Olympic swimming silver medallist Ben Proud grew to become the primary British athlete to affix the occasion.

Proud, 30, who got here second within the 50m freestyle in Paris final summer season, stated he doesn’t imagine the occasion, which permits athletes to take performance-enhancing medicine, undermines clear sport.

“I think [the Enhanced Games] opens up the potential avenue to excel in a very different way,” he informed BBC Sport.

“I think realistically I’ve achieved everything I can, and now the Enhanced is giving me a new opportunity. I definitely don’t think that’s undermining a clean sport.

“I actually respect the game I’ve been a part of, and I might by no means step again in figuring out I’ve carried out one thing which is not within the guidelines.”

He stated he had discovered athletes committing doping violations within the conventional model of the game “incredibly frustrating”.

The Enhanced Games permits athletes to take substances authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) beneath strict supervision.

“I will never take anything that I am unsure of,” Proud added. “They are not allowing anyone to participate if they are under any stress or health risks.”

But a UK Sport spokesperson stated: “UK Sport condemns all the pieces the Enhanced Games stands for within the strongest attainable phrases.

“We believe it risks compromising athlete health and welfare, undermines the trust of fans and is the absolute antithesis to our philosophy of winning well.

“We are extremely upset to be taught that any British athlete in one in all our Olympic or Paralympic programmes would help such an occasion.”

The spokesperson added: “We are partaking with our colleagues at Aquatics GB as a matter of urgency to find out Ben Proud’s suitability to obtain public funds.

“It is clear however that any breach of anti-doping rules is contrary to the policies which any athlete must comply with to receive UK Sport funding.”

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Similarly, Aquatics GB stated it was “immensely disappointed” by Proud’s determination.

“Aquatics GB, along with our partners, stand firmly behind the values and principles of clean sport and condemn Ben’s decision in the strongest terms,” the assertion stated.

The inaugural Enhanced Games are scheduled to happen in Las Vegas subsequent May.