Enhanced Games athlete 'breaks world record' and is handed ridiculous prize
The controversial Enhanced Games delivered one world record which brought a staggering $1,000,000 bonus on Sunday.
Dismissed by major sporting governing bodies, the competition advocates the use of performance-enhancing substances and saw its flagship event take place at Resorts World in Las Vegas.
The major selling point for the Games was that any athlete who won an event in swimming, athletics track, strongman and weightlifting would take home prize money of $250,000 from a total purse of $500,000.
But if any of those competing in the 100m sprint and 50m freestyle swimming race were able to set a new unofficial world record, then a seven-figure payment of $1 million would be coming their way.
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It took until the very final race but a world record time was achieved by Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who came in at 20.81 in the freestyle swimming event.
As well as substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency like testosterone, anabolic steroids and Adderall all being permitted, swimmers were also allowed to wear neoprene swimsuits - which are known to boost buoyancy and trap a layer of water to allow the body to maintain core temperature.
A $1,000,000 WORLD RECORD SWIM!
— Enhanced Games (@enhanced_games) May 25, 2026
Kristian Gkolomeev wins the Men’s 50m Freestyle in 20.81s and takes home $1,000,000 bonus + $250,000 first place prize and reclaims his 50M Freestyle world record. pic.twitter.com/A9XApwrYPS
They were removed from the sport by World Aquatics in 2010 after contributing to a number of records.
Gkolomeev's record was 0.07 seconds than the previous time and sees him pocket a total of $1.25million - a life-changing sum of money for himself and his family.
"I had a really good race,” the 32-year-old said on the Enhanced Games YouTube broadcast.
“I had a mistake on the breakout. I got a little bit nervous, but then the rest of the swimming was good, so I got it.”
He added: “Another million, I’m gonna say, it’s not bad at all. This is gonna change my life to the good, for sure. It’s a big help for me and my family.”
The record is not recognised by World Aquatics, with the official time of 20.88 belonging to Australian Cameron McEvoy after his exploits in China earlier in 2026.
Clean athlete wins 50m backstroke at Enhanced Games
42 athletes competed in the controversial event, with four electing against using substances to enhance performances and competing naturally. Three won their respective events, including British sprinter Fred Kerley.
The two-time Olympic silver medalist, currently serving a two-year suspension from competitive athletics after anti-doping whereabouts failures, won the 100m sprint with a time of 9.97 seconds that was still short of Usain Bolt's unmatched 9.58 time.
In swimming, Hunter Armstrong also competed without any enhancement and won the 50m backstroke as the only clean competitor in his race.
The American took home $250,000, while James Magnussen, one of the faces of Enhanced Games, finished last in both the 100m and 50m freestyle.
Topics: Swimming
Josh Lawless