Kristian Gkolomeev swam an unrecognized world record in February and pocketed a million dollars (about 885,000 euros). The Greek did this with the help of doping and a forbidden swimsuit at the controversial Enhanced Games project.
The 31-year-old Gkolomeev swam the 50-meter freestyle, according to the Enhanced Games, in a time of 20.89 seconds. He was just slightly faster than the Brazilian Cesar Cielo, who set the official world record in 2009 (20.91).
Gkolomeev’s unrecognized performance during a training session was announced Wednesday at the presentation of the Enhanced Games. That is a controversial project of businessman Aron D’Souza. The Australian encouraged athletes Wednesday at the launch to participate in the competition that “can change sports science”.
The special thing about the competition is that doping and other prohibited aids are allowed. Swimming, athletics and weightlifting are on the program of the Enhanced Games, which will be held in Las Vegas in May 2026.
To persuade athletes to participate, D’Souza promised, among other things, a million dollars in prize money for a world record. The project is financed by, among others, Donald Trump junior.
Much Criticism On Enhanced Games
There is much criticism of the ‘doping competition’, which would endanger the health of the athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency WADA threatens severe penalties for athletes who participate.
World swimming federation World Aquatics wants to suspend swimmers for life if they participate in the event. “The Enhanced Games are not based on universal values such as honesty, fairness and equality. It is a circus, built on cheating.”
Gkolomeev, who started using prohibited substances a month before his ‘record’, is positive about the new project. “The event gives me the opportunity to reach a new level. Now the whole world can see what is possible.”
Gkolomeev finished fifth in the 50-meter freestyle at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (2021) and Paris (2024). He won silver at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. Last year he won the European title in Belgrade.
Doping Authority: ‘A Dangerous Initiative’
The Dutch Doping Authority advises athletes not to be tempted to participate in the Enhanced Games. “It is a dangerous initiative, because there is no safe doping,” says chairman Vincent Egbers to the ANP. “It can lead to athletes being prepared to take risks with their bodies because it yields a lot of money. We disapprove of that, because doping is proven to be bad for the body.”