Hunter Armstrong to swim in Enhanced Games despite Olympic ban risk
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Hunter Armstrong has announced plans to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games while aiming to retain his eligibility for the 2028 Olympics.
The 25-year-old American intends to race in the event this May, challenging the strict boundaries set by World Aquatics regarding the unsanctioned competition.
The Enhanced Games has drawn global attention for its policy of allowing athletes to utilise performance-enhancing substances without testing requirements.
Financial necessity drives decision
Armstrong, a former world record holder in the 50m backstroke, stated that his participation is driven by urgent financial needs rather than a desire to dope.
The Ohio native revealed that he faced retirement last summer after his primary sponsor severed ties, leaving him unable to fund his full-time training.
“If I don’t join Enhanced, I lose everything. If I do join Enhanced, I have a chance at not losing everything,” Armstrong said.
“My back was against the wall, so I had to reopen that conversation to see if it was a plausible option.”
Organisers of the Enhanced Games are offering a $250,000 (£198,000) prize for first-place finishes, alongside salaries and bonuses for breaking world records.
Armstrong plans to contest the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle events while maintaining that he will not take banned substances.
Conflict with governing bodies
The swimmer’s decision places him on a collision course with World Aquatics, the sport’s international governing body.
In response to the emergence of the Enhanced Games, the federation amended its bylaws to ban those who “support, endorse or participate in” such events.
Husain Al Musallam, president of World Aquatics, previously stated that “those who enable doped sport are not welcome” at their competitions.
However, Armstrong and his legal team believe a loophole exists if he continues to comply with standard drug-testing protocols.
The double Olympic champion hopes that by adhering to anti-doping regulations, he can still vie for a spot on the US roster for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
“Nobody really knows what’s going to happen, and nobody will give me an answer on what’s going to happen,” Armstrong added.
“So all I can work off of is what the rules say and take a chance because I won’t get an answer by waiting.”
