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3w ago

World Aquatics bans Enhanced Games participants and supporters; founder vows legal challenge

Founder Aron D’Souza plans a legal challenge on grounds the ban constitutes an abuse of monopoly power

Kristian Gkolomeev has already gone under the current world record in the men's 50m
Swimming - European Aquatics Championships - Sports and Recreational Center Milan Gale Muskatirovic, Belgrade, Serbia - June 23, 2024 Gold medallist, Greece's Kristian Gkolomeev poses with his medal on the podium after winning the men's 50m freestyle final REUTERS/Novak Djurovic/File Photo
Kristian Gkolomeev
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Overview

  • World Aquatics enacted a bylaw on June 3 that renders any athlete, coach, official or support staff who competes in or endorses the Enhanced Games ineligible for its competitions or positions.
  • The Enhanced Games is scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas and promises prize purses of up to $500,000 per event with $1 million bonuses for breaking world records.
  • Founder Aron D’Souza condemned the ban as an abuse of monopoly power, announced he will contest the bylaw in court and pledged legal support for affected athletes.
  • World Aquatics will assess ineligibility on a case-by-case basis with appeals directed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and has urged national federations to adopt similar measures.
  • Backed by investors including Donald Trump Jr.’s 1789 Capital and Peter Thiel, the event has drawn warnings from WADA and health experts over risks to athlete safety and fair play.