Ever since two-time Olympic medalist Cody Miller joined the Enhanced Games, fans have been in shock. “Has he gone nuts?” one fan exclaimed online. And if that wasn’t enough, soon after Miller’s announcement, the International Ice Swimming Association suspended his membership, citing concerns about fairness and integrity. After seeing the flood of messages, calls and questions from fans and the media, Miller finally broke his silence on the controversy.

On his official YouTube channel, Miller sat in front of a wall of past competition IDs and a framed US Olympic flag, wearing a black T-shirt featuring the Enhanced Sports logo. He opened with a smile: “I’m really proud and excited about this.” Then, leaning in, he began to unpack the reasoning behind his move, starting with a sharp critique of the current state of professional swimming.

He asked fans directly: “Are you satisfied with the state of swimming right now? Are you satisfied with the state of the professionalization of Olympic sports? Are athletes paid enough? Is USA Swimming doing a good enough job? Does the Olympic Committee take good enough care of their athletes? Are athletes given the resources and incentives they deserve?”

And in these questions lies the answer. Cody Miller believes the system falls short and that the Enhanced Games offer a better path forward. He added, “We as swim fans for years have wanted for something new and exciting, to elevate the sport to the next level. Well, that’s a part of what Enhanced is doing… There’s real incentives.”

The first Enhanced Games are set to commence on Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, 2026, and the financial stakes are enormous compared to traditional swimming. Each swimming event carries a $500,000 prize purse, with $250,000 going to the winner. On top of that, there are $1 million bonuses for breaking major records, like the 50m freestyle, plus appearance fees just for signing up.

Miller said that these types of rewards allow athletes to really make a living in their sport. He also took aim at health and safety concerns, which a number of naysayers have fretted over due to the “enhanced” aspect of the games.

“There’s real money on the line for these athletes. These athletes are being paid like professionals, and they’re given the resources that they deserve, the medical attention that they deserve. To understand what’s actually happening in our biology… before any type of enhancement even takes place,” Miller said.

According to Enhanced Games officials, a team of elite medical professionals including cardiologists, neurologists, sports medicine doctors, endocrinologists, and pharmacologists will oversee athlete safety. So, everyone who will be competing will undergo medical screenings before participating.

Miller wrapped up the conversation by saying, “I want better. We deserve better. Enhanced is doing that.”

For Cody Miller, this isn’t just about competing. It’s about changing the sport and creating a new way to elevate both competition and the fan experience. And with the Enhanced Games offering huge incentives, more top swimmers are beginning to follow his lead.

Top swimmers ditching tradition for the high stakes of the Enhanced Games

The financial opportunities offered by the Enhanced Games have caught the attention of some of the world’s top swimmers. At least 14 elite athletes have already signed up, drawn by the chance to compete in an event that offers far greater rewards than traditional sports.

Ben Proud, Olympic silver medalist and one of the first big names to join, explained his reasoning openly: “It’s just such a different ballpark financially  it gives me the opportunity to earn that sort of money and set myself up, my family and support my mum. These are opportunities as a 30-year-old I just can’t pass by.”

“There’s a huge financial incentive with this and I would be lying if I said it didn’t matter,” continued Proud. “It would take me 13 years of winning world championship titles just to earn what I can win at one competition at the Enhanced Games.”

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To put that in perspective, a gold medal at the World Championships typically brings a swimmer $20,000, with total prize money for all competitors still far below what the Enhanced Games are offering. Even those coming out of retirement are taking notice.

Former Australian Olympian James Magnussen admitted the opportunity to compete for a prize of $1 million for breaking the 50m freestyle world record was a big factor in his decision. Though admitted that the money was a huge draw, it wasn’t the only reason why he signed up.

For Cody Miller, however, the Enhanced Games are an opportunity to reinvigorate his career, to have financial security, professional recognition, and “a new beginning.”