In the summer of 2023, news surfaced about an ambitious initiative to create a competition similar to the Olympic Games—one that would allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs, provided they were under strict medical supervision and adhered to a safety protocol prioritizing athlete health. At first, many dismissed it.
However, just a few months later, Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza’s controversial vision caught the attention of investors eager for new revenue streams.
By February 2024, high-profile investors like Peter Thiel, Christian Angermayer, and Balaji Srinivasan pledged millions to the Enhanced Games, marking a turning point for the project.
For those unfamiliar with these investors:
- Thiel: A German-American billionaire who co-founded PayPal and was Facebook’s first outside investor.
- Angermayer: Oversees over $3 billion at Apeiron Investment Group and has a long history of investing in longevity-focused ventures.
- Srinivasan: An Indo-American entrepreneur and cryptocurrency expert known for significant investments.
Initially, the first Enhanced Games were set for December 2024, but plans were pushed back, with the event now scheduled to debut from May 21-24, 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, where the official press conference was recently held.
The competition will feature events in swimming (50m & 100m freestyle and butterfly), track (100m and 110m hurdles), and weightlifting.
The organizers, along with their financial ambitions (set to take place at the luxurious World Resorts), display a sense of humor by choosing “Sin City” for the inaugural “Games of Sin.”
Gkolomeev’s Transfer, the World Record, and the First $1 Million Check
D’Souza made it clear from the start that the competition would significantly reward participating athletes, particularly those who set world records.
“Every world record will be awarded $1 million,” he stated in an interview—and the first recipient is Kristian Gkolomeev!
The celebrated Greek swimming champion, who had only an Olympic medal missing from his accolades, announced his retirement from professional competition on April 3, as reported by his coach Akis Oikonomou.
Gkolomeev remained silent on the matter until recently, when he surprised everyone by becoming an ambassador for the Enhanced Games and the first athlete to earn the $1 million bonus for breaking a world record.
During the Las Vegas press conference, a video showcased Gkolomeev setting a new world record in the 50m freestyle with a time of 20.89, narrowly surpassing Brazilian César Cielo Filho’s previous record of 20.91 set in 2009.
His personal best before this was 21.44, achieved during the 2018 European Championships, where he claimed a silver medal. Kristian also secured silver at the 2019 World Championships with a time of 21.45, and his last competitive appearance was at the Paris Olympics, where he finished 5th with a time of 21.59.
“It’s not just about breaking records—it’s about pushing beyond limits. The Enhanced Games provided me with the resources and team to unlock a new level of performance—now the world can witness what’s possible,”
said Gkolomeev during the press conference, also announcing his transition via social media:
“After years of dedication, passion, and unforgettable experiences, I officially announce my retirement from competitive swimming. This sport has shaped my life, providing me purpose and testing my limits, along with countless memories I’ll cherish forever. I extend my gratitude to every fan, supporter, coach, and teammate who stood by me—your belief in me means the world.
To the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Committee: thank you for the privilege of representing Greece. Wearing the blue and white on the world stage has been an honor I’ll forever cherish.
Now, I am stepping into a new chapter. I’m thrilled to share that I will now represent myself and compete in the Enhanced Games—a pioneering competition rooted in science and safety, aimed at redefining the future of sports. I understand this path may seem unconventional or even controversial to some—and I respect that.
However, I believe in evolution, choice, and the responsible and transparent pursuit of exceeding limits.
I trust that in time, many will come to support this vision.This isn’t a farewell to my past or my country. It’s the continuation of everything I’ve learned and all I aim to achieve. And you can be sure, I have a long journey ahead.
Thank you for being part of my story. I hope you’ll accompany me in this next chapter.”
The Timeline Raises Questions
While Gkolomeev’s choice to join this competition raises eyebrows, the timeline of events provokes even more questions.
His coach announced his retirement on April 3. Gkolomeev made it official on May 23. Yet, his involvement with the Enhanced Games clearly began much earlier.
This is evidenced by a photo of him holding a $1 million check for breaking the world record, dated February 2025.
During the same conference, Gkolomeev disclosed:
“Before breaking the world record, I was on medication for two weeks.”
He also sported a Jaked swimsuit, produced by the same company behind the now-banned “super suits” that were pivotal to numerous world records prior to their prohibition on January 1, 2010.
Witness the video documenting his preparation and the moment he shattered the record…
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