Roids were all the rage at the Enhanced Games

The Enhanced Games reframed athletic achievement around doping, turning steroids and related protocols into a visible variable of competition. In Las Vegas, Cody Miller won the men's 50m breaststroke in 26.55 seconds, earning $250,000 and setting a personal best. The two‑time Olympic medalist, who retired in December 2024 after a final clean meet, said enhancements shaved seven‑tenths off his best time. Miller’s account is supported by doctors, coaches, and family, illustrating the event’s controversial premise. Critics have dubbed the venture the 'Steroid Olympics,' highlighting concerns over safety and fairness in sport.

The inaugural Games were organized by Aaron D’Souza and Christian Angermayer, with backers including Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. Forty-two athletes across swimming, weightlifting, and track and field competed, with prizes up to $1 million. Before competition, competitors were sequestered in Abu Dhabi for weeks of medical testing, including metabolic panels, MRIs, and CT scans, to obtain clearance for any enhancements. Enhancements were to be medically cleared and tailored to each sport under supervision, a framework some view as safer than other doping environments. The event raises questions about safety, regulation, and the future of fair competition.