“Knows that decision will trigger discussions”
First German announces participation in doping games
24.09.2025 – 5:27 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
The Enhanced Games, in which doping is allowed, are controversial. Now a German also announces his participation.
Swimmer Marius Kusch was the first German to have his promise for the controversial Enhanced Games, in which world records are also to be set up with the help of doping agents. “Now there is time for a new chapter,” announced Kusch on his Instagram channel. “Participation in the Enhanced Games is an opportunity to go to my limits and to compete against some of the best athletes in the world.”
The Enhanced Games are scheduled for the first time in May 2026 in Las Vegas. Three sports are planned: swimming, athletics and weight lifting with selected disciplines.
Kusch wants to start over 50 and 100 meters butterfly. At the 2019 Short Railway Championships in Glasgow, Kusch had won over 100 meters of butterfly gold, a year earlier there were also in Glasgow at the Langbahn-European Championship over the 4×100 meter locations with the German team Bronze.
“I am proud of what I have achieved, but the truth is that sport never gave me the financial stability to build a future. This fact has always been a challenge,” Kusch explained his step in wanting to take part in the Enhanced Games. “I know that this decision will trigger discussions.” At the Enhanced Games, he will compete under medical supervision. “Because my health and durability are as important as my performance.”
According to the information, each individual event is endowed with prize money of $ 500,000 (around 424,000 euros), $ 250,000 (around 212,000 euros) each get to the winners. In addition, the organizers offer the athletes inaugural funds and a million US dollars for times over 50 meters freestyle and the 100 meters in athletics.
Before Kusch, the British swimmer Ben Proud and Sprinter Fred Kerley from the USA had already announced their participation. Both are already decorated with Olympic and World Cup medals. Kerley was recently missing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. It was suspended by the independent integrity commission of the World Association. The reason: a violation of reporting obligations.