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Sprint icon Carl Lewis has flatly rejected the controversial Enhanced Games, saying he does not believe the event allows performance enhancing drugsWill achieve success.
The nine-time Olympic gold medalist expressed reluctance to pay much attention to the initiative, despite the attraction of high-profile athletes. American sprinter Fred Kerley And British swimmer Ben Proud.
However, Lewis, who is in India as a brand ambassador, said reuters: “I don’t think it’s going to be successful. I don’t think people want to give up belief in things that are right just for the sake of performance.
“It’s not just about competing. Sports is about doing the right thing.”
This incident has faced a lot of backlash World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) condemned it as “dangerous and irresponsible”.
The athletes involved have also faced criticism from fans and administrators.
Six-time world champion swimmer Kyle Chalmers notably turned down a “life-changing” sum of money to take part, he revealed last month. In another development, the Enhanced Games has sued World Aquatics, USA Swimming and WADA, alleging an illegal campaign to “crush” the event.
Lewis said it lacked “objective and respect” and was not seen as a threat to the image or integrity of the Olympic Games.
“I think we’re over-promoting it,” he said.
Lewis felt that athletics at the top level was economically attractive and that its leading athletes were less likely to fall for the lure of advanced sports.
He said, “There will always be people who want to do things their own way and have their own motivations. Some people will be in advanced sports not because of the game but because they think they can make money.”
“The less oxygen we give to that topic and get to that event, I think the more challenging it will be for them.”
The Enhanced Games has scheduled its inaugural competition in Las Vegas for May 2026, with athletics, swimming and weightlifting on the agenda.
Lewis’s collection of Olympic gold medals also includes a gold medal snatched from drug cheat Ben Johnson at the 1988 Seoul Games.
The American isn’t surprised as to why he thinks Enhanced Games is a non-starter.
“I don’t think many athletes will compete,” he said.
“I don’t think any records will be broken because I don’t think the event is going to happen because I don’t think there’s going to be money in it because I don’t think people will support it.”