"If I don't join Enhanced, I lose everything. If I do join Enhanced, I have a chance at not losing everything. My back was against the wall, so I had to reopen that conversation to see if it was a plausible option."
"Armstrong, a 25-year-old Ohio native who formerly held a world record in the 50-meter backstroke, told ESPN he plans to compete for the significant prize money at Enhanced Games without taking any banned substances. He said he believes that as long as he continues to comply with the drug-testing program for World Aquatics' athletes, he should remain eligible for a spot on future U.S. Olympic rosters."
"Along with the $250,000 prize for taking first place in an event, Enhanced Games is also paying athletes a salary and offering large bonuses to anyone who beats a world record. Armstrong said he plans to race in the 50-meter backstroke and the 100-meter freestyle events."
Hunter Armstrong, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in the 50-meter backstroke, announced plans to compete in the Enhanced Games this May while pursuing 2028 Olympic eligibility. The 25-year-old swimmer intends to compete without taking banned substances, relying on prize money and salary from Enhanced Games after losing his primary sponsor. Armstrong claims he consulted World Aquatics officials before joining but received no definitive ruling on his Olympic eligibility. His participation challenges World Aquatics' efforts to maintain separation between traditional swimming and Enhanced Games, which permits but does not require performance-enhancing drugs. Armstrong will compete in the 50-meter backstroke and 100-meter freestyle, events offering substantial prize money and world record bonuses.
#enhanced-games #olympic-eligibility #performance-enhancing-drugs #swimming-competition #athlete-sponsorship
Read at ESPN.com
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