Ben Proud says Enhanced Games prize cash from one race would match 13 world titles

The Enhanced Games has been criticised for endangering athletes’ well being and undermining honest play, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) describing it as a “dangerous and irresponsible project”, external.

Proud, who has beforehand supported UK Anti-Doping’s (Ukad) Clean Sport Week, mentioned he’s “not under any obligation to take anything” regardless of becoming a member of the occasion.

“In order to compete in these games, to be in a position to earn this prize money that you would never see in professional sport, I am forced to retire,” he mentioned.

“There are many different doctors and healthcare specialists who will guide and inform me on decisions. If that was to become the case later on [that I would take performance-enhancing drugs], I would be in good hands to make the best informed decision.”

Only substances accepted by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might be taken, which is completely different to the listing Wada permits for elite athletes.

Earlier this yr, World Aquatics grew to become the primary worldwide sport federation to ban athletes, coaches and officers from its occasions if they’ve taken half within the Enhanced Games.

“The Enhanced Games is trying to reduce the stigma around some of these substances,” Proud added.

“Some of these things, they have fantastic effects on the body and really limited side effects. Those are the ones to me that are curious – what could you take that makes you feel better, better energy, more recovery, without health risks.”