Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has joined the controversial “Enhanced Games,” a competition that allows performance-enhancing drugs, citing the event’s massive prize money.
Proud, a world and European champion, stated that the earnings from a single race could be equal to winning 13 World Championship titles, a significant boost compared to the $20,000 prize for a first-place finish at the World Aquatics Championships.
“Us athletes in the Olympic programme don’t earn enough money to retire off the back of this,” Proud told BBC Radio 5 Live.
His decision has been condemned by governing bodies like Aquatics GB and UK Sport, which are reviewing his funding.
Proud, 30, said he understands their reaction and does not expect to return to traditional swimming.
He emphasized that he is “not under any obligation to take anything” and would make any decisions on substances with medical guidance.
