Olympic Champion McEvoy Dismisses Enhanced Games Records as Irrelevant Amid Doping Criticism

Olympic 50m freestyle champion Cameron McEvoy has dismissed the record set by Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev at the Enhanced Games as irrelevant due to the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs and a prohibited bodysuit. Gkolomeev's time of 20.89 seconds surpassed the official world record but is not recognized by World Aquatics or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), both of which have condemned the Enhanced Games as a "circus built on shortcuts." McEvoy emphasized that such performances have no bearing on Olympic or World Championship competitions or rankings and expressed serious concerns about the long-term health risks associated with doping, drawing comparisons to historical misuses of hazardous substances. The Enhanced Games, set to debut in Las Vegas in May 2026, offer substantial prize money for new records but remain controversial within the swimming community. McEvoy also highlighted that while drugs can enhance physical capacity, they cannot improve technique, which is crucial in swimming. The debate continues as other athletes, like James Magnussen, have shown interest in the event, though their performances remain below official world record standards.