The Enhanced Games, set to debut in 2025, have sparked debate by allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Proponents argue that lifting bans on PEDs can push human performance to unprecedented levels and challenge existing records, including Usain Bolt’s 100m record of 9.58 seconds. The Games’ organizers claim an unnamed sprinter has already surpassed Bolt’s time and will publicly compete next year, although skepticism remains high in traditional athletics circles due to ethical and health risks.
Experts have mixed opinions. Supporters see potential for PEDs to dramatically enhance performance, while critics like Australia’s Olympic Committee deem the Games dangerous and undermine fairness and safety. Bolt himself expressed doubts about imminent threats to his record, emphasizing the unique combination of talent and disciplined training that produced his times. The controversial initiative, backed by investors like Peter Thiel, aims to showcase “enhanced” human capability, but its legitimacy and impact on athletics’ integrity are still hotly debated.