A world champion swimmer has signed up to the Enhanced Games, a new competition allowing athletes to use performance enhancing substances that are banned in the Olympics.
The so-called 'Enhanced Movement' is being powered by billionaire Aron D'Souza who wants to rival the Olympic Games and 'safely evolve mankind into a new superhumanity'.
They say that since '44 percent of athletes already use performance enhancements', it is now the 'time to safely celebrate science'.
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Without a doubt, the prize money will be a huge draw for participants. The first athletes who set new world records for the 100m sprint and the 50m freestyle will be awarded $1,000,000 (£780,320).
"The Enhanced Games will transform sports by setting new performance benchmarks and advancing scientific understanding of human capabilities," D'Souza told LADbible.
"I seriously believe we’re going to act as a catalyst to usher in a new era of superhumanity - one that will benefit every one of us."
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The London-based Australian businessman says they are currently 'in discussions with world-class athletes' who competed in Paris.
Their first confirmed athlete is Australian swimmer and three-time Olympic medallist James Magnussen.
The 33-year-old, who was the 2011 and 2013 100-metre freestyle world champion, has been retired since 2019.
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However, he is more than happy to 'juice to the gills' to come out of retirement and win that million dollar prize money in the 50m Freestyle.
"If they put up $1m for the 50 freestyle world record, I will come on board as their first athlete," he told a sports podcast.
On athlete safety, D'Souza said: "We have established a Scientific Advisory Board, Medical Commission, and Athlete Commission to develop rigorous health and safety protocols.
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"These will include comprehensive medical oversight, pre-competition health checks, and continuous monitoring during and after the games.
"While there are risks involved with performance enhancements, our protocols are being designed to minimise these risks and ensure the long-term well-being of athletes."
D'Souza is also the founder of technology infrastructure company Sargon, which has over A$52 billion (£26.80 billion) under management and supervision, with nine offices across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
His ambition is to have the Enhanced Games up and running by 2025.
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The plan on what sports to include is still under development and more information will be shared 'later this year'.
He also noted that the 'Enhanced Games will not have traditional men’s and women’s categories'.
"Instead, we classify competitors based on their chromosomal structure (XX or XY)," D'Souza said.
"This science-based approach ensures fair competition while recognising biological differences."
Opening up about the obstacles that lie ahead, the founder added: "An endeavour of this magnitude faces a multitude of challenges. Building the future is hard, but being backed by the people who have consistently invested in the future, like Peter Thiel, is incredibly motivating. He’s backed Facebook, SpaceX and Airbnb.
"We’re building a team used to overcoming obstacles - from scientists and doctors experienced in creating medical breakthroughs to athletes used to breaking world records."
He continued: "Evidence suggests that doping is prevalent at the highest levels of sport. A 2017 study, commissioned by WADA (the governing body for 'anti- doping'), discovered that up to 44 percent of athletes at the 2011 World Athletics Championship admitted to using some form of performance enhancement.
"Current anti-doping measures are insufficient, and many athletes use performance enhancements covertly, often without important medical oversight or supervision.
"The Enhanced Games will bring transparency and safety to this practice, creating a level playing field for all competitors."
To learn more about the Enhanced Games you can check out their website.
Anish Vij