Enhanced Games Held in Las Vegas With Athletes Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Forty-two athletes competed in weightlifting, swimming, and track events at Resorts World Las Vegas during Memorial Day weekend under rules that permitted performance-enhancing drugs. Canadian weightlifter Boady Santavy attempted to break the men's snatch world record of 183 kilograms but recorded a no-lift.

Athletes trained for 12 weeks in the United Arab Emirates under medical supervision that included tailored drug protocols. They received appearance fees and could earn up to $1 million for breaking records in the 100-meter sprint or 50-meter freestyle.

Enhanced Group, Inc. organized the event and completed an IPO earlier this month at a $1.2 billion valuation. The company sells FDA-cleared peptides, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, and testosterone injections, and recently partnered with Rezolve Ai on a telehealth platform.

The company plans to expand its distribution network for performance-enhancing treatments. Organizers stated that supervised use reduces health risks compared with unregulated doping.

The World Anti-Doping Agency called the event dangerous. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart described it as a clown show that puts profit over people. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated in February that he is a big fan of peptides and indicated plans to encourage the FDA to loosen restrictions.

An FDA advisory committee is scheduled to review certain peptide restrictions in July. Silicon Valley investors including Peter Thiel and former Coinbase executive Balaji Srinivasan backed the company. Startups such as Superpower and Noho Labs are also active in the peptide sector.