Former Australian swimming star James Magnussen has accepted an opportunity to compete in the Enhanced Games, with a USD$1 million bet on the line.
Magnussen, 32 years old, retired in 2019. But in a challenge from Enhanced Games founder Aron D’Souza on SEN 1170 Breakfast, Magnussen will land USD$1 million (AUD$1.54 mil) if he can break the world record in the 50-metre freestyle during the Games.
Magnussen will now undertake a supplement program.
It’s unclear where or when the Enhanced Games will be staged, although the format is a revolutionary one that organisers believe can become world standard in years to come.
“Backed by the world’s top venture capitalists, the Enhanced Games is the Olympics of the future. When 44% of athletes already use performance enhancements, it is time to safely celebrate science,” the website reads.
“Sports can be safer without drug testing.”
“People like James deserve to earn millions for the extraordinary feats they have accomplished and we are willing to do so,” D’Souza said to SEN.
Magnussen also spoke on his motivations for wanting to take part.
“I thought it was an interesting concept when I first heard it… we’re pretty aware as Olympians in Australia that there is performance enhancements going on in other countries, Australia is well known for being one of if not the cleanest in the Olympic Games…” he said.
“But it’s not a level playing field internationally and we know that… I thought for the right price this would be a very interesting pursuit.”
As for his supplement program, Magnussen said he’d follow expert advice.
SEN EXCLUSIVE | @james_maggie91 agrees to compete in the @enhanced_games after founder agrees to a $1 million prize if he breaks a world record. #EnhancedGames pic.twitter.com/JBZanQtcLn
— Vossy & Brandy SEN 1170AM Sydney (@VossyBrandySEN) February 8, 2024
“I want to approach this the right way, I want to go to America, I want to get the right advice and take the right supplements. I don’t know much about that world so I want to do my research and have the right team behind me and with the help of Aron, I’d like to document it through video form. Show how it can be done safely, properly and create an athlete we haven’t seen before,” he added.
Magnussen is regarded as one of Australia’s best ever sprint freestylers, finishing his career as a two-time world champion and silver medalist.
Listen to the full exchange between Magnussen and D’Souza below