BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- World Aquatics, the global governing body for swimming, has denounced the concept of the Enhanced Games and instead promoted a healthy and fulfilling sporting lifestyle, according to a statement sent to Xinhua on Wednesday.
The Enhanced Games, which propose allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing substances while competing in swimming, track and strength events, announced plans to hold their inaugural edition over Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas in May 2026.
"The Enhanced Games are not a sporting competition built on universal values like honesty, fairness and equity: they are a circus, built on shortcuts," World Aquatics said in the statement.
"The enduring power of athletes to serve as role models for children and adults alike relies on their talent, hard work, respect and friendship. That's what we see in our champions and in our competitions, and that's what we'll continue to showcase."
"The way to a long, healthy and happy sporting life is readily available. It doesn't require a costly cocktail of anti-ageing drugs. Train consistently, eat well, rest well and enjoy the company of other athletes."
"This is something we already know from the millions of masters swimmers who continue to regularly set new records for human performance at the World Aquatics Masters Championships, some aged over 100. We invite the world to come and learn from these true champions as they compete again in Singapore this summer," World Aquatics said.
The World Aquatics Masters Championships will take place from July 26-August 22 in Singapore, with approximately 6,000 master-aged aquatics athletes from more than 100 countries and regions competing in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and open water swimming. ■
