Former Greek Olympian swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev has won the men’s 50m freestyle at the Enhanced Games on Sunday, ‘beating’ a world record. The event allows competitors to take performance-enhancing substances.
Finishing with a time of 20.81 seconds, Gkolomeev was also wearing a synthetic ‘supersuit’ which has been banned at events such as the Olympics. Gkolomeev’s unofficial end time was faster than Australia’s Cameron McEvoy’s mark of 20.88 officially set in March.
“It was a great race… I got it,” said Gkolomeev, taking home a $1 million bonus for the unofficial record ‘break’. “Maybe next year I’ll break it again.”
Gkolomeev earlier clocked 46.60sec in the 100m freestyle, missing the world record of 46.40.
The Enhanced Games took place in a purpose-built arena in a Las Vegas casino parking lot and have been criticised by athletic governing bodies due to its dangerous health risks for participants.
Enhanced Games officials say the medications taken by participants are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
A handful of athletes competed without taking additional substances and also achieved wins.
Source: The Australian
