Enhanced Games: WADA President Condemns Doping Event
- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is urging American agencies to shut down the Enhanced Games, scheduled for Las Vegas next year.
- WADA President Witold Banka condemned the Enhanced Games for normalizing perhaps perilous drugs during an Olympic bodies meeting.
- "This initiative seeks to normalize the use of potentially dangerous drugs," Banka said."For the sake of athlete health and the purity of sport of course it must be...
Enhanced Games spark doping concerns
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is urging American agencies to shut down the Enhanced Games, scheduled for Las Vegas next year. The competition will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision, with $1 million bonuses for world records in swimming, track and field, and weightlifting.
WADA President Witold Banka condemned the Enhanced Games for normalizing perhaps perilous drugs during an Olympic bodies meeting. He emphasized the need to protect athlete health and the integrity of sports.
“This initiative seeks to normalize the use of potentially dangerous drugs,” Banka said.”For the sake of athlete health and the purity of sport of course it must be stopped.” He suggested potential legal issues for Nevada and federal agencies, notably regarding doctors administering the drugs.
Travis Tygart, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency chief executive, dismissed Banka’s criticism, citing free democratic societies and markets.
Despite the controversy surrounding performance enhancing drugs, the Enhanced Games are still slated for May 21-24 in Las Vegas. Four athletes have been announced,all for aquatics events,according to the event’s website.
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