Overview

• UK Anti-Doping’s athletes commission warned the doping-permissive event could deter future participants and irreparably harm sporting integrity.
• Olympic silver medallist Ben Proud became the first British athlete to commit, saying he will not return to traditional swimming and citing far higher prize money.
• The inaugural competition permits performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision, with US$250,000 for event winners and a US$1 million bonus for breaking specified world records.
• World Aquatics has barred anyone who takes part from its events, underscoring the widening rift with mainstream federations.
• Founder Aron D’Souza defended the model on radio, invoking bodily autonomy and everyday enhancement examples, while recruitment continues with signings such as Megan Romano and interest from James Magnussen.