British swimmer Ben Proud joins the Enhanced Games: what are these games.

According to The Sun: Olympic silver medalist Ben Proud shocked the British team leaders by announcing his decision to retire from international competitions and join the controversial 'Enhanced Games'.

Olympic silver medalist Ben Proud joins the Enhanced Games PA

The 31-year-old swimmer, who recently finished second in the 20-meter sprint in Paris, is now leaving World Athletics, becoming the first British athlete to decide to participate in this new competition.

Enhanced Games, scheduled for May in Las Vegas, will include swimming, athletics, and weightlifting, allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing substances, including steroids.

Among the restrictions is a ban on athletes who test positive for recreational substances such as cocaine and heroin.

“No, it opens up new opportunities for achievements in a completely different format. Realistically, I achieved everything I could, and now the Enhanced Games give me a new opportunity,” said Proud.

“I truly respect the sport I participated in, and I would never come back knowing I did something that didn't comply with the rules.”

However, his decision has sparked shock and dissatisfaction among the leaders of British swimming.

Considerable disappointment at Aquatics GB

A representative of Aquatics GB stated: “Aquatics GB is incredibly disappointed by Ben Proud’s announcement to join the Enhanced Games. We, along with our partners, firmly support the values and principles of clean sport and condemn Ben's decision in the strongest terms.”

The same position was expressed by UK Anti-Doping, where the CEO Jane Rumble emphasized:

“Very disappointed that any British athlete could consider participating in an event that goes against the true spirit of sport,”

adding that

“it undermines the values of the sporting arena, which values hard work, integrity, talent, and 100% clean sport.”

“Therefore, with deep concern for all clean athletes and those who love sport, we are monitoring the conduct of this event with any British athlete who chooses to participate.”

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Ben Proud's joining of the 'Enhanced Games' raises questions about the values of traditional sports and sparks a wave of discussions about the ethics of using prohibited substances. This step could change trends in the sports world, and the reaction from sporting organizations indicates the seriousness of the situation.

The events surrounding the new competitions attract attention not only from the media but also from the general public, which is actively discussing the possible consequences for the sports industry as a whole.