Story perspectives

Enhanced Games in Vegas: Greek Swimmer Wins $1M Bonus

5/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Enhanced Games were held in Las Vegas on May 25 2026, with athletes competing with or without performance-enhancing substances.
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev swam a 20.81-second 50 m freestyle, earning a $1 million unofficial world-record bonus.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Aquatics condemned Games as immoral and warned of bans.
Investors Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. backed the event, staged in a Las Vegas casino parking lot before about 2,500 spectators.

History

Historical Context

In July 1998 police seized EPO and other drugs in Festina’s car, arresting nine riders and expelling the team from the Tour de France. The scandal pushed WADA and the IOC to tighten anti-doping rules, setting the regulatory backdrop for the 2026 Las Vegas Enhanced Games backed by Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., which openly permits performance-enhancing substances.

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Story summary

The Enhanced Games were held in Las Vegas on May 25 2026, with athletes competing with or without performance-enhancing substances.
Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev swam a 20.81-second 50 m freestyle, earning a $1 million unofficial world-record bonus.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Aquatics condemned Games as immoral and warned of bans.
Investors Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr. backed the event, staged in a Las Vegas casino parking lot before about 2,500 spectators.

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