A German billionaire, Christian Angermayer, is making headlines for his backing of the inaugural 'Enhanced Games', a sporting event openly promoting the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Angermayer, known for his diverse interests including unearthing a record-breaking triceratops skull, views the controversial competition as a progressive step for sport, stating, 'We're the good ones. I really believe that.'
The 'Enhanced Games' have been colloquially dubbed the 'Steroid Olympics' due to their explicit rejection of traditional anti-doping policies. This stance places the event in direct opposition to established international sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee and various national federations, which strictly enforce drug-free competition.
Angermayer's involvement brings significant financial muscle and a highly visible profile to the nascent organisation. His previous ventures range from biotechnology and psychedelics to deep-sea exploration, demonstrating a pattern of investment in areas that often push the boundaries of conventional thinking or science. His ambition to install the world's largest triceratops skull in his London apartment further illustrates his unique approach to collecting and display.
The concept of the Enhanced Games challenges fundamental principles of fairness and athlete welfare that underpin modern elite sport. Proponents argue it offers a transparent platform for athletes who choose to use PEDs, potentially leading to new records and a different form of athletic spectacle. However, critics raise serious concerns about the health risks to participants, the ethical implications of normalising drug use, and the potential impact on young athletes.
The announcement of Angermayer's involvement and the imminent launch of the games signal a significant disruption to the global sports landscape. It remains to be seen how established bodies will react to an event that so openly defies their core tenets, and what the long-term consequences will be for the future of competitive sport.