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“Runs His Mouth”: Enhanced Games Openly Challenge World Athletics President Sebastian Coe After Backlash

Published 03/06/2024, 9:03 AM EST

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Just a few days ago, Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, fervently denounced the proposed ‘Enhanced Games‘, an unorthodox sporting event advocating for doping. Coe branded the concept as “nonsense” during a press conference in Glasgow. He underscored that athletes engaging in such events would encounter severe penalties, including extended bans from the sport.

However, amidst the condemnation, there are murmurs of dissent, with some challenging Coe’s stance on the matter, citing alternative perspectives on athlete compensation and the evolving landscape of modern sports.

Enhanced games vs. Olympic ideals

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Recently, Enhanced Games posted a provocative post on X, challenging Sebastian Coe. The post featured an athlete who criticized Coe’s stance on the matter, accusing him of resorting to profanity instead of presenting substantial moral, scientific, legal, or ethical arguments against the Enhanced Games.

 

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The challenger invited Coe to engage in a live debate on stage, in front of a studio audience, to discuss the ethical implications of performance enhancements in sports and the legitimacy of the Enhanced Games. Despite the invitation, the challenger expressed skepticism that Coe would agree to the debate, suggesting that Coe lacks confidence in his ability to prevail in a fair and mature discussion.

It was captioned,” President of World Athletics, runs his mouth while we run towards world records. There is a world in which the Enhanced Games can co-exist with the Olympics – there is no need for childish name-calling. We challenge Lord Coe to a live, public debate.”

This challenge not only seeks to clarify misconceptions but also aims to foster a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing performance enhancements in sports. However, it’s worth noting that the Enhanced Games has faced criticism from WADA  about its safety as well.

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Controversy surrounding the proposal

The envisioned ‘Enhanced Games’ would embrace a diverse array of sports such as athletics, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, and martial arts. However, details regarding the date and venue are yet to be confirmed. Notably, none of these sports would adhere to the regulations set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), a decision criticized by WADA as “dangerous and irresponsible.” Coe, expressed skepticism towards the idea, asserting that it fails to pique his interest and dismissing it as an insignificant topic within the realm of sports discourse.

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On the other hand, D’Souza defended the concept, emphasizing the need for athletes to earn substantial incomes outside of Olympic years. He criticized the International Olympic Committee for its perceived corruption and opulence among its members. Despite opposition, D’Souza claimed significant athlete interest in the ‘Enhanced Games’, promising stringent security measures and clinical supervision.

Continue to Read: Noah Lyles vs Christian Coleman: Dynamic Rivalry of the Iconic Track and Field Stars

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Written by:

Maleehah Shakeel

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Maleehah Shakeel is an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports who covers equestrian sports, rodeo, bull riding, and Gymnastics. Maleehah’s stories revolve around various brand endorsement deals of athletes like Jessica Springsteen, Jennifer Gates, and Olivia Dunne. She has written in depth about the brand collaboration between Jessica Springsteen and Tommy Hilfiger.
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Edited by:

Sampurna Pal