Enhanced Games Spark Outrage, But Overlook Accepted Risks

New competition allowing performance-enhancing drugs faces backlash, but critics ignore existing dangers in many sports.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The upcoming Enhanced Games, which will allow athletes to use certain performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision, has sparked outrage from sporting bodies and anti-doping agencies. However, the article argues that this backlash overlooks the fact that society has long accepted risks to athlete health in many traditional sports, such as boxing and gymnastics. The author suggests sporting organizations need to be more transparent about the trade-offs between spectacle and safety across all competitive sports.

Why it matters

The Enhanced Games is forcing the public to confront the bargain they've always accepted - that fans are willing to watch athletes risk harm for the sake of entertainment. This raises questions about the consistency of moral outrage, as many traditional sports also carry well-documented long-term health risks for athletes.

The details

The Enhanced Games, set to begin in May 2026 in Las Vegas, will allow athletes to use certain performance-enhancing substances like testosterone, growth hormone, and anabolic steroids under medical supervision. This has drawn strong condemnation from groups like World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency. However, the article argues that this outrage overlooks the fact that society has long accepted risks to athlete health in sports like boxing, where 62% of fighters were found to have dementia or amnesia. The author suggests sporting bodies need to be more transparent about the trade-offs between spectacle and safety across all sports.

  • The Enhanced Games is slated to commence in May 2026.
  • The article was published on February 17, 2026.

The players

Byron Hyde

A philosopher of science and public policy at the University of Bristol and an honorary research associate at Bangor University.

Sebastian Coe

The president of World Athletics.

Witold Bańka

The president of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Aron D'Souza

The Australian businessman who founded the Enhanced Games.

Shane Ryan

A swimmer who has decided to join the Enhanced Games.

Ben Proud

A swimmer who has announced his intention to participate in the Enhanced Games.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.