Overview

• Announcing his switch on Instagram, the 30-year-old became the first British athlete to commit to the May 2026 Las Vegas event and said this marks a new chapter in his career.
• Aquatics GB condemned the decision, and UK Sport said it is urgently assessing whether he should continue receiving public funding.
• World Aquatics’ June bylaw means participation in the Enhanced Games renders athletes ineligible for its competitions, including those tied to future Olympics.
• The start-up competition permits medically supervised use of FDA‑approved substances and offers $250,000 winner purses with a $1 million bonus for specific world records.
• Proud said a lack of trust in anti-doping enforcement and a “huge financial incentive” influenced his move, as organizers pursue an $800 million antitrust lawsuit against sport federations.