Olympic Silver Medallist Ben Proud Makes Controversial Move to Enhanced Games
A Shocking Departure from Traditional Swimming
Team GB Olympic silver medallist Ben Proud has announced his retirement from traditional swimming to compete at the controversial Enhanced Games, a competition that will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without drug testing.
Proud, aged 30, leaves behind an illustrious career that includes a silver medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics and multiple world championship titles, including gold in the 50-metre freestyle at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships.
Recent Achievements Before the Decision
In his final traditional competition, Proud secured silver in the men’s 50 free at the 2025 World Championships with a time of 21.26, while also placing 5th in the 50 fly (22.79). His remarkable career included a historic achievement in 2022 when he became the first swimmer to simultaneously hold the Long Course World Championship, European Championship, and Commonwealth Games titles in the 50m freestyle.
Strong Reaction from Swimming Authorities
Aquatics GB expressed strong disapproval of Proud’s decision, stating they were “immensely disappointed” in his announcement and condemned the decision “in the strongest terms,” emphasizing their commitment to clean sport principles.
Proud’s Perspective
The British swimmer has expressed deep satisfaction with his 15-year professional swimming career achievements, indicating his desire to explore new horizons and test his body’s capabilities in this different format. In his announcement, Proud described his move as “stepping into a framework that challenges everything we know about performance, and a chance to chase the outer edge of human potential.”
Wider Context
The Enhanced Games has received backing from a venture capital fund that includes Donald Trump Jr. and billionaire Peter Thiel. However, the concept has faced significant criticism from sports authorities, with World Athletics president Lord Coe describing participation as “moronic” and warning of potential lengthy bans for competitors.
