London 2012 Olympic silver medallist James Magnussen arrived in Las Vegas wearing a gold super suit – the kind banned by World Aquatics in 2009.
He’d been doping under medical supervision for around two years before the event, and he personally guaranteed there would be world records in the pool.
There was indeed one single swimming “world record”, but not by Magnussen: he finished last. Twice.
What Happened to James Magnussen at the Enhanced Games?
35-year-old Australian James ‘The Missile’ Magnussen – the first athlete to sign up for the Enhanced Games back in February 2024 – came fourth (out of four) in both the 100m and 50m freestyle, swimming slower than his own personal bests set over a decade ago.
In the 100m, he was well-beaten by Hunter Armstrong, an American who entered the event as a non-enhanced athlete.
Magnussen also came last in the 50m, clocking 21.52 – significantly shy of his personal best of 20.98 set 13 years ago.
What are the Enhanced Games?
The Enhanced Games openly permit athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs – including testosterone, EPO, and human growth hormone – under medical supervision. The IOC and WADA have called the concept a dangerous “betrayal” of sporting integrity.
James Magnussen was one of its most high-profile recruits, lured by the prospect of a $1 million bonus for breaking a world record.
That prize ultimately went to Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who won both freestyle events and clocked 20.81 in the 50m – fractionally faster than Australian Cameron McEvoy’s legitimate world record of 20.88 (though the time will not be officially recognised under WADA guidelines).
Magnussen won’t go home empty-handed either – fourth place still earned him $50,000.
SEE ALSO: ‘Juiced Up’ James Magnussen Shows Off Insane Transformation Ahead of Enhanced Games
