The national anti-doping agency Nada sees “a new situation” by the upcoming participation of the swimmer Marius Kusch in the Enhanced Games. She herself has hardly any handling that should take over the public prosecutors.
The national anti-doping agency NADA is active in the so-called Enhanced Games because of the participation of the German swimmer Marius Kusch, but sees little scope for measures. You currently have “Little or no access” On Kusch, said Nada board member Lars Mortsiefer from the ARD doping editorial team.
According to Mortsiefer, Kusch is no longer in the system or in a NADA test pool: “We could only test it in official international competitions at home and abroad where the anti-doping regulations apply, and he will certainly no longer take part in such.”
At the Enhanced Games, the Mortsiefer “Totally rejected because they contradict everything that the sport stands for”do not apply official anti-doping regulations. The 32-year-old former European champion Kusch completed his last official competition at the 2024 short rail World Cup in Budapest. He is the first German to register for the Enhanced Games.
“Can only be difficult from Presumption of innocence go out”
Nada boss Mortsiefe emphasized: “In Germany we have an anti-doping law, for German competitive athletes, doping is illegal”. Should cush “Tested positively on German soil or somehow associated with doping” if he is threatened with an investigation due to violation of the anti-doping law. “In this regard we will approach the focus of the priorities”added Mortsiefer. Kusch, who started for SG Essen during his career, also had a place of residence in the USA. Where he is currently not known.
The Enhanced Games (“increased games”), in which doping is expressly permitted, will take place in Las Vegas for the first time in May 2026 and attract athletes with enormously high price and inaugural fees. “This event implies doping, so with regard to a doping violation with the athlete you can hardly assume the presumption of innocence”said Mortsiefer with a view of Kusch: “In this respect we have a new situation here.”
Sports institutions under pressure
The German Anti-Doping Act falls from the NADA test pools or those who achieve significant income with their sport. The second point applies to Kusch at the latest with his promise for a start at the Enhanced Games.
Since several tech billionaires and the son of US President Donald Trump are financially involved, institutions from professional sport are under great pressure with regard to measures against the controversial event. Most recently, the makers of the Enhanced Games submitted a cartel lawsuit of $ 800 million (681 million euros) against the World Aquatics, USA Swimming and the World Anti-Doping Agency Wada. The organizers accuse you of an illegal campaign with which athletes should be asked for the boycott of the event.
“Sport never gave me financial stability”
At the games in Las Vegas, only a few disciplines are planned in three sports: swimming, athletics and weightlifting. The winners collect 250,000 dollars (213,000 euros), and there are places and one million US dollars (850,000 euros) for a – of course only unofficial – world record.
On Tuesday, Kusch had given financial reasons for his participation in the Enhanced Games. “The truth is that sport never gave me the financial stability to build a future. Reality has always been a challenge”had announced Kusch.