### World Aquatics Bans Athletes Participating in "Enhanced Games" from Competitions

World Aquatics, the authoritative body governing global swimming competitions, has issued a ban on athletes who participate in the upcoming "Enhanced Games," an event that openly allows and encourages the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This was announced on Tuesday.

The "Enhanced Games," set to take place over four days in May in Las Vegas, aims to push the boundaries of human performance in sports like sprinting, swimming, and weightlifting. Athletes are incentivized with substantial rewards, including $1 million for those who break world records in the 100m sprint or 50m freestyle, according to the Guardian. The event markets itself as an arena where human limits can be tested "beyond the rules of clean sport."

Former Olympians, including Australian swimmer James Magnussen, have expressed support for the Enhanced Games, as reported by the Associated Press (AP). However, World Aquatics president Husain al-Musallam made it clear that the organization is taking a firm stance against this event. "Those who enable doped sport are not welcome at World Aquatics or our events," he stated unequivocally.

The newly instituted rule from World Aquatics extends beyond just the athletes. It also affects coaches, team officials, administrators, medical staff, and even government representatives connected to events that promote performance-enhancing drug use. The BBC noted that World Aquatics is the first international federation to impose such a ban specifically because of the Enhanced Games.

Aron D'Souza, the founder of the Enhanced Games, responded by criticizing the ban. He claimed that the action was not aimed at protecting athletes but at "protecting a monopoly." D'Souza argued that World Aquatics has failed to pay its athletes for decades and is now resorting to "threats and bullying tactics" in the face of competition. He also mentioned that the Enhanced Games would provide "legal support against World Aquatics in the case of any challenge."

This development marks a significant clash between traditional sports regulations and the emerging movement that supports the use of performance-enhancing drugs to extend human capabilities in competitive sports.