Olympic silver medalist James Magnussen has quickly become the poster child for the proposed Enhanced Games doping competition, but that hasn't done much for his reputation.
Magnussen, 33, was one of the top freestylers in world swimming at the height of his career, winning three gold medals at the World Championships and three medals at the Olympics.
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The man known as 'The Missile' has also had his fair share of controversy, including his infamous bonding episode with Stillnox and allegations of harassment at the 2012 London Games.
In February this year, the controversy surrounding the new South Welshman took to a whole new level when Magnussen became the first accredited athlete to publicly announce his intention to compete in the Enhanced Games, a competition that actively encourages doping. It rose to
To date, he remains the only athlete to make such a declaration, as reported by The Australian, and was the subject of ridicule at a sports summit in Birmingham this week.
“My honest opinion is that if you're going to participate in an activity like that, you should never participate in any sport again,” World Aquatics Director Brent Nowicki said.
“Once you cross that bridge, you can't come back.”
Another sports official commented: “Who would line up in the pool to race Magnussen?” You can't do one race. ”
It is reported that more athletes are expected to come forward for the Enhanced Games, scheduled to be held in 2025, after this year's Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, Magnussen is eyeing a $1 million prize if he can break the 50m freestyle world record in what has been dubbed the “steroid game,” a major event in the much-maligned event. He has become a great spokesperson.
“Hello, James Magnussen, I'm here. I have some very exciting news that I'd like to share with you all,” Magnussen says in a rather awkward pitch on Enhanced Gaming's social channels, which you can watch in the video player above.
“Enhanced gaming is more than just a sporting event, it’s a revolution.
“For athletes like you and me, this is a chance to push limits, break through walls and rewrite history.
“The Enhanced Games is looking for athletes who are not afraid to push the limits and redefine what it means to be a competitor.”
The concept also has high-profile and very wealthy backing, with legendary director Ridley Scott and American TV star Rob McElhenney producing a documentary about the Olympics.
Australian businessman Aaron D'Souza and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel are also major backers of the project.
They are recruiting 10 players to participate, and each player will be paid $150,000.
“I've been around the block,” Magnussen continued in the post, calling him an “Olympic swimming hero.”
“I have competed on the biggest stage and represented my country at the Olympics.
“I've experienced winning and losing, but this is different. I hope more of my fellow athletes will participate in this documentary that tells our stories as we train and compete for the Enhanced Game.
“What do you want? Dust off your running shoes, grab your gear, record your application, and post it on social media.
“Join us on this amazing journey. Together we will show the world what it means to be an athlete and a true champion.”
The proposal received a fairly predictable response on social media.
“The word 'hero' is being used a lot here,” was the response from X (formerly Twitter).
“Can you 'enhance' the performance by adding a few more limbs?” another person asked.
“Has Magnussen saved any lives lately? Or is he just suffering from association deprivation syndrome?” asked a third.
“What a disgraceful cheating,” said another bluntly.
Magnussen's personal best in the 50m freestyle was 21.52 seconds, set in 2013, while the world record is 20.91 seconds, set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.
“They're saying they're backed by a billion-dollar guy,” Magnussen said in February.
“If they offered me $1 million to set the 50m freestyle world record, I would be their first athlete to participate.
“If you pour juice up to the gills, the gills will break within six months.”
Mr. Nowicki expressed deep concern about the project.
“This gives or could give people who are considering doping a reason to say it's safe now, James did it,” he said.
“Or maybe there is a way to do this using this new technology.
“Look, they have their personal reasons and he has a right to his opinion and to know why he does what he does.
“I think it's very short-sighted to say that one of the overriding reasons behind this is the science and proof of its effectiveness.”
