A proposal to run a sporting games where the athletes can take as many performance-enhancing drugs as they like is gaining traction.
Melbourne-born, London-based businessman, Aron D’Souza has put forward the idea, called the Enhanced Games, which has the backing of a group of athletes, doctors and scientists.
Two-time Olympics swimmer James Magnussen has confirmed will participate if it goes ahead. Magnussen said he was prepared to ‘juice to the gills’ for the games.
If it does get off the ground, I predict it will be watched with fascination at the time and studied by science for decades after.
I’d certainly watch it. For some time there has been an argument floating around there should be two sets of games, one for those willing to take drugs and those who aren’t.
It makes a bit of sense, those taking drugs can do so openly, and the ‘clean’ athletes can compete without the suspicion of an unfair advantage.
Of course, the sad thing is drugged athletes will try to compete in the clean games, because at this level, winning is all. Plus all those steroids tend to give people a false sense of confidence.
Will all that drug taking damage people’s health? Probably.
However, for a year or so I was in close contact with a former two-time Olympian who said these athletes are so driven if you offered them a drug that would guarantee an Olympic gold, but they would die within the week, they’d probably take it.
What do you think, should there be a drug ‘free-for-all’ Olympics?
.
