bbc.com
Enhanced Games: A Competition Embracing Performance-Enhancing Drugs
In May 2026, the Enhanced Games, a competition allowing and even encouraging the use of performance-enhancing drugs, will be held in Las Vegas, sparking controversy and raising concerns about athlete health and the integrity of sports.
- Who supports the Enhanced Games, and what are their arguments?
- The games are spearheaded by Australian businessman Aaron DeSouza, who believes athletes should have the freedom to use whatever substances they want to enhance their performance. Donald Trump Jr. and billionaire Peter Thiel also support this initiative, suggesting a powerful financial backing.
- What are the Enhanced Games, and what makes them controversial?
- The Enhanced Games are a planned competition in Las Vegas where athletes are permitted to use performance-enhancing drugs. This directly contradicts the rules of most major sporting organizations and raises concerns about athlete health and fair competition.
- What are the potential risks and criticisms of the Enhanced Games?
- Critics, including World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency, cite risks to athletes' health, including aggression, mood swings, and depression, from the use of these drugs. Furthermore, the sale of testosterone-boosting products on the Enhanced Games website raises additional concerns about potential side-effects and lack of medical oversight.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a relatively balanced view of the Enhanced Games, presenting arguments from both proponents and critics. However, the inclusion of quotes from critics like the World Athletics president calling participation 'stupid' and the World Anti-Doping Agency labeling the games 'dangerous and irresponsible' might subtly frame the games more negatively than a strictly neutral approach would.
Language Bias
The article uses fairly neutral language, although terms like 'dangerous and irresponsible' (from the WADA) and 'stupid' (from the World Athletics president) introduce some bias. The description of the games as allowing competitors to "ignore" and "encourage" banned substances is also loaded language, possibly skewing the narrative.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including information about the potential long-term health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs beyond the immediate risks mentioned. The perspectives of athletes who have previously used and discontinued performance-enhancing drugs could also add valuable context. The financial incentives for athletes participating in the Enhanced Games should also be discussed in more detail, including the prize money structure and potential sponsorships. The article also does not delve into the ethical implications of such an event, such as whether it sends a negative message to young athletes.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies, but it could be improved by acknowledging the spectrum of opinions on performance-enhancing drugs beyond the simplistic "for" or "against" viewpoints presented.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the "Enhanced Games," a competition where performance-enhancing drugs are not only permitted but encouraged. This directly contradicts the World Anti-Doping Agency