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Plymouth swimmer enters drug-fuelled contest

Image: Thomas Park, Unplash)

Althlete causes a splash

Plymouth-born Olympic swimmer Ben Proud is set to compete in a new controversial sporting event.

The silver medallist is the first British athlete to sign up to The Enhanced Games - a contest permitting athletes to take substances and performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision.

The former world and European champion says he's excited to see what he can achieve and told the BBC he’s not ‘undermining clean sport’

However, both Aquatics GB and UK Sport have expressed disappointment in his decision, and UK Sport is now reviewing his funding.

The Enhanced Games aims to ‘break world records’ by ‘unlocking human potential’ according to its creator, Australian businessman Aron D’Souza.

The 30-year-old will be banned from participating in international contests while he's involved.

The event is set to take place in May 2026 in Las Vegas. Cocaine and heroin use will not be permitted.

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