World Aquatics Adopts Bylaw Banning Enhanced Games’ Participants

World Aquatics has adopted a new bylaw that effectively bans participants of the controversial Enhanced Games from taking part in its competitions.

Under this bylaw, adopted during a meeting on June 3, individuals who support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific enhancements, including prohibited substances or methods, will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in its competitions, events, or other activities. The World Aquatics Bureau will determine ineligibility on a case-by-case basis.

In response, the Enhanced Games’ president has reportedly accused World Aquatics of using ‘bullying tactics’ and stated that legal support would be provided to athletes who seek to challenge their exclusion from World Aquatics competitions.

The inaugural Enhanced Games is scheduled to be held next May in Las Vegas, with swimming, athletics, and weightlifting on the agenda.

Following the announcement of its venue and date, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a press release last month condemning it as a dangerous and irresponsible concept.

WADA raised concerns about potential risks to athletes’ health and well-being, citing the serious side effects of using prohibited substances and methods.

It has cautioned athletes and support personnel intending to participate in sports regulated by the World Anti-Doping Code that if they were to take part in the Enhanced Games, they would risk committing anti-doping rule violations under the Code.

WADA has also encouraged Anti-Doping Organisations to test involved athletes before, during, and after the event. Additionally, it has called on governments and law enforcement agencies to assess whether athletes who admit to taking performance-enhancing drugs – or the physicians who supply or administer those substances – may be violating criminal laws or professional rules. 

The Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) has also denounced the Enhanced Games, stating that it turns pure sports competition into a ‘drug contest.’