World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) president Witold Banka has called on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) to “do more” to help stop the Enhanced Games from taking place.
Speaking to reporters at an event in London on Thursday, Banka described the Enhanced Games — which allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision — as “very dangerous” and an “irresponsible event”.
The first edition is scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas and will include track and field, short-course swimming, and weightlifting.
Banka calls Games a ‘ridiculous idea’
“Sometimes we don’t know what to say about this ridiculous idea,” said Banka. “From the ethical and moral point of view, how is it possible that people agree to compete while taking prohibited substances? It’s completely against everything that we are doing. It’s very dangerous.
“I hope it will not happen, although there are quite important and rich people who are sponsors of this irresponsible event.”
Tensions between Wada and Usada
Banka said he was “very keen” to work alongside Usada but stressed it must be based on “mutual respect”. Relations between the two bodies have been strained, especially after Usada backed the US government’s decision to withhold a $3.6m payment to Wada earlier this year.
The dispute followed controversy over 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Olympics but were cleared to compete. An independent investigation later found Wada did not mishandle the case.
Banka urged Usada to take stronger action against the Las Vegas event. “We really want our colleagues from the US to do more to make sure this event will not happen,” he said. “There are some legal possibilities they can lobby for. Usada has made general comments, but maybe it’s time to convince the people who finance this that it’s dangerous. That’s their role and responsibility.”
Usada has previously called the Enhanced Games a “dangerous clown show, not real sport”.
What are the Enhanced Games?
Launched in 2023, the Enhanced Games allow competitors to use certain substances under medical supervision. Only drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are permitted — differing from Wada’s banned list.
The event’s founder, Australian businessman Aron D’Souza, promotes it as the “Olympics of the future”, claiming athletes should have the freedom to decide what they put in their bodies. However, critics say it endangers athlete health and undermines fair competition.
Among those linked with the project are British swimmer Ben Proud and American sprinter Fred Kerley.
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