Gkolomeev Sets Unofficial 50m Freestyle Record at Controversial Enhanced Games

Posted : 25 May 2026

Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev posted an unofficial world-best time in the men’s 50m freestyle at the inaugural Enhanced Games, a controversial event that permits the use of performance-enhancing substances.

The 32-year-old recorded a time of 20.81 seconds, surpassing the 20.88 mark set earlier this year by Australia’s Cameron McEvoy. However, the performance will not be officially recognised because the competition falls outside the regulations of established global sporting authorities.

The Enhanced Games, which featured athletics, swimming, and weightlifting events, have been heavily criticised by organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and World Aquatics due to their acceptance of banned substances.

Gkolomeev achieved the time while wearing a polyurethane swimsuit, equipment that is prohibited in official swimming competitions. Despite the lack of recognition, the swimmer received a $250,000 prize from organisers, along with a $1 million bonus for setting the unofficial record.

Speaking after the race, Gkolomeev said the financial reward would have a major positive impact on his life and family, adding that he intends to return next year with hopes of improving the mark further.

Organisers of the Enhanced Games claimed that most of the 42 participating athletes used performance-enhancing substances, while also highlighting numerous personal-best performances during the event.

The competition was staged before a limited invited audience of around 2,500 spectators, with tickets unavailable to the general public.

Elsewhere in the athletics events, American sprinter Fred Kerley won the men’s 100m in 9.97 seconds. Kerley, who reportedly competed without enhancement, finished outside his personal best of 9.76 seconds.

British swimmer Ben Proud narrowly missed breaking the world record in the men’s 50m butterfly after clocking 22.32 seconds, just 0.05 seconds short of the global mark held by Andrii Govorov.

Another British swimmer, Emily Barclay, won the women’s 50m freestyle, while former strongman and actor Hafthor Bjornsson failed to surpass his own deadlift world record during the weightlifting competition.

The substances allowed at the Enhanced Games include testosterone, growth hormones, peptides, and anabolic steroids, provided they are legal and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Supporters of the project argue that performance enhancement already exists secretly in elite sport and believe a transparent and medically supervised environment is safer. However, many sporting bodies have strongly condemned the initiative, with some threatening sanctions against participating athletes.

The IOC and WADA have both criticised the event, describing it as dangerous and unethical, while World Athletics president Sebastian Coe labelled participation in the competition irresponsible.

Founded in 2023 by entrepreneurs Aron D’Souza and Maximilian Martin, the Enhanced Games have attracted financial support from high-profile investors, including billionaire Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr.

Gkolomeev Sets Unofficial 50m Freestyle Record at Controversial Enhanced Games

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics