When the news first broke in summer 2023 about an attempt to create a competition akin to the Olympic Games—where athletes would be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs (under strict medical supervision and with an advanced safety protocol prioritizing athlete health) to break world records—most people didn’t pay much attention.
However, just a few months later, the wild idea of Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza proved to be, in the eyes of some investors, a new opportunity to generate revenue.
In February 2024, it was announced that Peter Thiel, Christian Angermayer, and Balaji Srinivasan decided to invest millions in the Enhanced Games—and that’s when things started getting serious.
For those unfamiliar with these figures:
- Thiel is a German-American billionaire (co-founder of PayPal and Facebook’s first outside investor),
- Angermayer manages over $3 billion via Apeiron Investment Group and has long invested in longevity-focused companies,
- Srinivasan, an Indo-American entrepreneur, is a cryptocurrency guru behind massive investments.
At the time (February 2024), the plan was to hold the first official Enhanced Games in December of that year. But plans were delayed, and the controversial competition is now set to debut in May 2026 (21–24/5) in Las Vegas, USA, where the official press conference was held on Friday.
The event will feature swimming (50m & 100m freestyle and butterfly), track (100m & 110m hurdles), and weightlifting.
If nothing else, the organizers—aside from money (the games will take place at the ultra-luxurious World Resorts)—have a sense of humor, choosing so-called “Sin City” for the first edition of the “Games of Sin.”
Gkolomeev’s Transfer, the World Record, and the First $1 Million Check
From the beginning, D’Souza made it clear that the competition would generously reward athletes who choose to participate, especially those who break world records.
“Every world record will be awarded $1 million,”
he stated in an interview—and the first recipient is Kristian Gkolomeev!
The decorated Greek swimming champion, who was missing only an Olympic medal, decided to retire from professional competition on April 3, according to his coach Akis Oikonomou.
Gkolomeev never officially confirmed the news—until just days ago, when he shocked the public by appearing as an ambassador for the Enhanced Games and the first to earn the $1 million bonus for breaking a world record.
During the press conference in Las Vegas, a video was shown in which the Greek swimmer broke the world record in the 50m freestyle with a time of 20.89, two hundredths faster than the 20.91 by Brazilian César Cielo Filho (set in 2009).
Let’s recall that his personal best (and former world-leading time) was 21.44, achieved at the 2018 European Championships, where he won a silver medal.
Kristian also won silver at the 2019 World Championships with a time of 21.45. His last official appearance was at the Paris Olympics, where he finished 5th in the final with 21.59.
“It’s not just about breaking records—it’s about pushing beyond limits.
The Enhanced Games gave me the resources and team to unlock a new level of performance—
and now the world can see what’s possible,”
said Gkolomeev during the press conference,
while also officially announcing his transfer via social media:
“After years of dedication, passion, and unforgettable memories, I officially announce my retirement from competitive swimming. This sport shaped my life. It gave me purpose, tested my limits, and gave me moments I’ll carry forever. I’m deeply grateful to every fan, supporter, coach, and teammate who stood by me—your belief in me means everything.
To the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Committee: thank you for the honor of representing Greece. Wearing the blue and white on the world stage was a privilege I’ll always hold in my heart.
Now, I’m entering a new chapter. I’m excited to share that I will now represent myself and compete in the Enhanced Games—a new competition grounded in science and safety, aiming to redefine the future of sport. I know this path might seem unfamiliar or even controversial to some—and I respect that.
But I believe in evolution, in choice, and in responsibly and transparently pushing limits.
I believe that over time, many will understand and support this vision.This isn’t a farewell to my past or my country. It’s the continuation of everything I’ve learned and all I still dream of achieving. And rest assured, I’ve still got a long road ahead.
Thank you for being part of my journey. I hope you’ll continue to follow me in this next chapter.”
The Timeline Raises Questions
If Gkolomeev’s decision to join such a competition already raises eyebrows, even more questions arise from the timeline of events.
His coach announced his retirement on April 3. Gkolomeev himself made it official on May 23. Yet, his involvement with the Enhanced Games had clearly begun much earlier.
This is proven by the photo showing him holding the $1 million check for breaking the world record—
the check is clearly dated February 2025.
In the same press conference, Gkolomeev admitted:
“Before breaking the world record, I was on medication for two weeks.”
He also wore a Jaked swimsuit, the same company that produced the now-banned “super suits” which were central to many world records before being prohibited on January 1, 2010.
And here is the video—capturing his preparation through to the moment he shattered the record…
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