Ben Proud on becoming a member of Enhanced Games: Swimmer explains resolution to hitch controversial occasion | Swimming News

Ben Proud says the riches on supply within the Enhanced Games offered a possibility too good to refuse as he sought to defend his controversial defection from swimming.

Proud drew widespread condemnation on Wednesday after asserting he was stepping away from ‘conventional swimming’ to compete in subsequent May’s inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas.

Governing physique Aquatics GB expressed it is “immense disappointment”, strongly condemning Proud’s resolution whereas re-emphasising their dedication to scrub sport.

Created by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza, the Enhanced Games will even enable athletes to make use of performance-enhancing substances with out drug testing – although substances like cocaine and heroin will stay prohibited.

The query on everybody’s lips: why would a swimmer on the peak of his powers – only a 12 months after lastly clinching an Olympic medal at his third try – besmirch his popularity below such controversial circumstances?

For Proud, the choice was clear-cut. The alternative to safe his and his household’s future earlier than the tip of his skilled profession was just too good to go up.

‘Too good a possibility to go’

“There are many aspects to this decision,” he informed Sky Sports News. “I’m in my 30s now, nearing the tip of my profession. The actuality is, for a lot of Olympic athletes, the prospect to earn sufficient to retire comfortably simply is not doable.

“I’ve spent 15 years dedicating myself to this craft, this skill. Now, an opportunity has come along that allows me to secure my future – and especially my mum’s. The people who matter most. I can bring real security to us by going down this route.

“It’s too good a possibility to go up. The truth is, it will take me 13 years of profitable world championship medals to earn the identical prize cash I’d get from certainly one of these wins. So sure, it is black and white.

“I know I’m giving up a lot by stepping away from traditional formats, but knowing myself and the person I am, it’s something I’m happy to do.”

Proud is in line to obtain look charges for taking part in Enhanced Games occasions, the place $1m (£737,400) may very well be landed if he breaks the world report within the 50m freestyle, the occasion wherein he has gained world and European golds.

For context, the full prize cash on supply on the 2022 World Aquatics Championships was $2.73m (£2.01m), with $20,000 (£14,746) given to race winners.

Proud acknowledged the backlash to his resolution however welcomed it, insisting establishments similar to Aquatics GB should do every little thing they will to guard the game’s integrity.

“I fully expected the kind of backlash I’ve received,” he mentioned. “I really respect what they do to preserve clean sport.

“I’m not asking to remain on funding – I’m glad to retire. And that is what I did yesterday: retire and step away from what was an excellent profession.

“I understand the position I’m putting people in, and I know it comes with controversy. But ultimately, this is a decision I’m making for myself, and I’m genuinely happy to be in a position to do so.

“I by no means need to deliver negativity into folks’s lives. But I’m doing one thing for myself. And I’m enthusiastic about it.”

As for the potential tarnishing of his legacy, Proud mentioned he refuses to dwell on opinions past his management.

“I’ve considered all of that,” he added. “I understand this decision raises questions about what I’ve done. But that’s public perception.

“Public opinion is one thing I am unable to management. All I can do is mirror on the usual I’ve held myself to over the previous 15 years and what I’ve achieved. I do know I’ve finished it to a really excessive normal.

“The people I care about most – my closest family, the ones I love – they know that too. In 20 years, the only perception that will matter is theirs. If others choose to believe something else, that’s out of my hands.

“I simply hope folks can see this as me ending an excellent career-something I’m happy with – and easily shifting on to one thing new, the best way anybody may change jobs.”

At the guts of Proud’s resolution was a need to interrupt free from the stagnant tempo at which he feels anti-doping laws have developed, even because the calls for of elite-level sport have intensified.

For Proud, the Enhanced Games provided an avenue the place his openness to cutting-edge strategies – whether or not that features performance-enhancing substances or not – may very well be absolutely explored.

“I try not to frame it as frustration, but simply speak from experience,” he mentioned. “I’ve competed in every World, Olympic, and European Championship final over the last 10 to 12 years. I’ve been around a long time.

“And actually, I’ve seen no change. No monetary progress, no evolution in anti-doping guidelines. It all feels outdated. That frustration has constructed over time, and now I really feel excited to maneuver on.

“In my early 20s, it was all new and exciting – you’re chasing goals, chasing dreams. But after so many years without meaningful change, it becomes easier to say, ‘Okay, I’m ready for something new.'”

He provides: “I’m genuinely curious about what’s available and how it could benefit me. That’s where the controversy begins – because as soon as you mention the Enhanced Games, people throw around words like ‘doping’ or ‘drug cheats.’

“But that is not correct. This is a totally completely different format. Everything obtainable is already accessible to the general public via prescriptions – every little thing is FDA-approved.

“Some of the treatments I’ve read about are genuinely interesting. They promote recovery, improve joint health – things I’ve spent countless hours managing myself. I’m keen to understand what’s out there, what the side effects might be, and what the health risks are.

“This is not one thing I’m dashing into. I’ve obtained three or 4 months to essentially digest the data, be taught, and determine how I need to deal with my physique.”

“Out of respect” for the sport he’s devoted 15 years to, Proud has unequivocally ruled out any return to traditional swimming – or even training alongside his former Team GB team-mates – to avoid muddying the waters.

“Now that I’ve made this decision, I choose never to return,” Proud mentioned. “I don’t want to create confusion for the swimming world or for my past career. I want things to stay very clean and very separated.

“I’m unsure what the stance shall be inside the groups, however I’ve chosen to step away from that surroundings out of respect for the game.”

As for his training, Proud says little will change.

“I’ve educated independently for the final seven or eight years. I’ve by no means been a part of the British system – whether or not I used to be in Plymouth or Turkey, I’ve at all times operated exterior the Aquatics GB pathway.

“I’ve been fortunate to receive funding that allowed me to do things my own way. I’ve been self-sufficient for years, even self-coaching. I’ll continue that approach, but Enhanced is also providing coaches, physios, and support – everything I need to maximise myself as an athlete.

“I’m pleased with that. I’m wanting ahead to life after swimming, and I’m already on my method.”