James Magnussen plans to dope and swim an unofficial world record.
James Magnussen returns to the competition pools. EPA/AOP
World swimming champion and Olympic medalist James Magnussen32, announces that he will start using doping, says the BBC.
Magnussen’s goal is to break the 50-meter freestyle world record on a long course. It wouldn’t be an official ME due to doping, but the Australian will try for a record time in a new sports competition.
Magnussen, who ended his career in 2019, will participate in the event called Enchanced Games. A London businessman By Aron D’Souza founded event has a simple idea – doping is allowed.
– I plan to use doping to the fullest and break the ME in six months, Magnussen claims.
The men’s 50m freestyle ME is from Brazil Cesar Cielo in 2009 swimming 20.91. Magnussen’s record in the 50m freestyle is 21.52, which he clocked 11 years ago.
An Australian is paid one million dollars for chasing the record.
Criticism
Magnussen won the 100m freestyle world championship in 2011 and 2013. He celebrated Olympic silver in 2012.
A swimmer is allowed to use any performance-enhancing substances in competitions. He commented that he does not want to take unnecessary risks in the ME yacht.
– I found the concept interesting when I heard about it for the first time. I want to go to the US: get the right advice and take the right substances. I want to show you how to do this safely and correctly.
Enhanched Games was founded last year. The competition has received a lot of criticism.
Finnish track and field athletes Senja Mäkitörmä, Joonas Rinne and Urho Kujanpää gave an objection to the competition format last year.
– I don’t find support or understanding for that activity, but maybe there is some kind of demand for it somewhere, shot putter Mäkitörmä said.
Using doping can, among other things, increase the number of diseases of the cardiovascular system, and in the worst case, even lead to premature death.
– Personally, I don’t like the idea at all, and I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone else. I don’t see this as a good thing in terms of the athletes’ health, pole vaulter Kujanpää said.
No exact date or venue has been specified for the event.