Australian swimming champion Kyle Chalmers has declined a lucrative offer exceeding $3.8 million from the Enhanced Games, a controversial upcoming sporting event promoting the use of performance-enhancing drugs. At 27 years old and a three-time Olympian, Chalmers received a substantial contract that he ultimately chose to reject, but he may face further approaches in the future.
Set to launch in Las Vegas next year, the Enhanced Games has already attracted several high-profile athletes, including Australian swimming legend James Magnussen and American sprint star Fred Kerley, who has expressed enthusiasm for the competition despite a recent ban due to an anti-doping issue. Kerley, who won bronze in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, anticipates the event will allow him to focus on breaking world records, which could earn him additional bonuses of up to $1.5 million if he surpasses Usain Bolt’s remarkable 9.58-second 100m sprint record.
While Kerley and others see potential benefits from the Enhanced Games, Chalmers’ decision to turn down the significant financial rewards underscores his commitment to swimming for the national team, the Dolphins, and his passion for the sport. His manager, Phoebe Rothfield, described the rejected offer as a “life-changing” opportunity, which included a three-year contract worth $1.6 million, bonuses up to $1.5 million, and a stake in the business that could yield even greater financial gain.
Despite financial temptations, Chalmers remains focused on representing Australia, aiming for podium finishes adorned with the green and gold, a goal he reiterated earlier this year by urging World Aquatics to increase funding for athletes to dissuade them from considering alternatives like the Enhanced Games. In a decisive move, World Aquatics has announced a blanket ban on any athlete or coach who aligns with the Enhanced Games, reinforcing the seriousness of their stance against doping in sport.
Chalmers’ legacy includes a gold medal in the men’s 100m freestyle from the 2016 Rio Olympics and a silver in the same event at the recent Paris Games. His choice to uphold the integrity of his sport may come at a financial cost, but for Chalmers, the honour of competing for his nation takes precedence over potential earnings.