Olympic Champ Armstrong to Compete in Enhanced Games Despite Ban Threat

Two-time gold medalist plans to compete without drugs, risking World Aquatics suspension

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Two-time Olympic gold medalist Hunter Armstrong announced plans to compete in the upcoming Enhanced Games, despite facing a potential ban from the sport's governing body, World Aquatics. Armstrong said his decision came down to financial necessity after losing a major sponsor, and he believes he can compete without banned substances while still following World Aquatics' rules.

Why it matters

The Enhanced Games have become a controversial topic in the sports world, as they allow the use of performance-enhancing technologies and practices that are banned by most major sporting organizations. Armstrong's decision to compete despite the threat of a ban highlights the dilemma facing some athletes who feel they have no other choice to continue their careers.

The details

Armstrong, a 25-year-old swimmer from Ohio, told ESPN that he plans to compete in the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas this May without the use of any banned substances. He explained that after losing a major sponsor last year, he needed to find a new way to continue swimming, and the lucrative rewards offered by the Enhanced Games made it a necessary option. However, World Aquatics has amended its bylaws to ban any athlete who "support, endorse, or participate" in events that allow prohibited substances or methods. Armstrong believes he can still compete while following World Aquatics' rules, but the organization has said it will decide on the new policy on a case-by-case basis.

  • The Enhanced Games are set to take place in Las Vegas in May 2026.
  • World Aquatics amended its bylaws to ban athletes from its events if they compete in the Enhanced Games in June 2025.

The players

Hunter Armstrong

A two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer from Ohio who plans to compete in the Enhanced Games despite facing a potential ban from World Aquatics.

World Aquatics

The international governing body for competitive swimming that has amended its bylaws to ban athletes who compete in the Enhanced Games, which allow the use of performance-enhancing technologies and practices.

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What they’re saying

“If I don't join Enhanced, I lose everything. If I do join Enhanced, I have a chance at not losing everything.”

— Hunter Armstrong, Olympic Swimmer (ESPN)

“Those who enable doped sport are not welcome at World Aquatics or our events.”

— Husain al-Musallam, President, World Aquatics (World Aquatics)

What’s next

World Aquatics will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to enforce its ban on athletes who compete in the Enhanced Games.

The takeaway

Armstrong's decision to compete in the Enhanced Games despite the threat of a ban from World Aquatics highlights the difficult choices some athletes face when their careers and livelihoods are on the line. This case raises broader questions about the role of performance-enhancing technologies in sports and the ability of governing bodies to enforce their rules in the face of lucrative alternative competitions.