The Enhanced Games are already facing criticism from the sporting community for allowing the use of performance-enhancing substances. Even the World Anti-Doping Agency’s spokesman, James Fitzgerald, has publicly deemed the event a “dangerous and irresponsible concept.” And now, Olympic medalist Kyle Chalmers has taken a massive step against the Enhanced Games, despite the promise of a $1M prize for breaking records at the event. 

Chalmers has previously expressed his worries regarding the low payouts for swimming events. He stated, “Something that’s hard in our sport is there’s not a huge amount of money or prize money on offer…and we kind of do it for the love of it…” However, when Enhanced Games approached him with an AU$3.8M offer with equity, Chalmers immediately rejected it. Chalmers stated it was an easy ‘no’ for him. For him, representing Australia at the 2028 LA Olympics and chasing a gold in his fourth Olympic appearance was worth more. 

Meanwhile, Chalmers shared a picture of himself on a hospital bed, claiming that the screws, tightrope, and loose bone in his ankle and toe are finally out. He exclaimed, “Excited to have my full plantar flexion back — kicking and diving’s about to get a whole lot easier 💪⚡️.” These inserts were the result of his three ligament injuries while playing Australian Rules Football in 2023. He’s definitely not going to try to repeat this stance. Despite multiple hospital visits, his stance against Enhanced Games remains heard in the swimming fraternity.

The Enhanced Games’ controversial business idea took many athletes aback. Many have spoken against it, citing examples of how the sport will suffer as a result. However, Kyle Chalmers admitted that the lucrative prize money offered by the Enhanced Games might tempt multiple swimmers to stand in the lineup. But there’s no way he will judge those who take up the offer.

He claimed, “I’m not going to be a person that slams swimmers for wanting to go across and make some money and give themselves a better opportunity…or to set their families up.” Unsurprisingly, some former Olympic athletes will participate in the enhanced games. 

Enhanced Games keep attracting athletes despite missing out on swimmers like Kyle Chalmers

About a week ago, the Enhanced Games announced that the two-time Olympic medalist, Fred Kerley, would join the lineup in May 2026. He became the first track athlete and American male athlete to sign a contract with Enhanced Games. And the reason is, of course, the lucrative deal. He stated, “The World Record has always been the ultimate goal of my career. This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live.”

The German Olympian Marius Kusch has also joined the ranks of the Enhanced Games. For him, this move is a chance to go past his limits for an unprecedented purse. But it was James Magnussen who was the first to sign up for the Enhanced Games. The Australian swimmer was later joined by notable names like Kristian Gkolomeev, Andril Govorov, and Josif Miladnov. The participation of these swimmers in the Enhanced Games underscores the growing divide within the sporting community regarding the use of performance-enhancing substances and the future direction of competitive athletics.

With the first event scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend in 2026, Enhanced Games will face some friction going forward. But do you think it can gain popularity like other international events? And what do you think of Kyle Chalmers’ rejection?