Greece’s Olympian Kristian Gkolomeev retires, joins pro-doping Enhanced Games

·

Greece’s Olympic swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev has announced his retirement from traditional competition and revealed he will now take part in the Enhanced Games — an upcoming sporting event that permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision.

In a statement shared on social media, Gkolomeev, 31, expressed gratitude to the Greek Swimming Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, calling it a “privilege” to represent Greece.

“Now, I’m stepping into a new chapter,” he said. “I’ll be representing myself and competing in the Enhanced Games — a new competition built on science and safety, aiming to reimagine the future of sport.”

Organisers claim Gkolomeev swam the 50-metre freestyle in 20.89 seconds at a test event in February —faster than the current world record — but the time is not officially recognised due to the event’s pro-doping stance.

He reportedly earned €1 million for the performance. The substances he used have not been disclosed.

Set to debut in Las Vegas in 2026, the Enhanced Games are backed by controversial figures including Donald Trump Jr and tech billionaire Peter Thiel. The concept has faced widespread criticism from sporting bodies and anti-doping agencies, who argue it threatens athlete safety and undermines the principle of fair competition.

Born in Bulgaria and raised in Greece, Gkolomeev trained in the US and competed in three Olympic Games for Greece.

Source: Ekathimerini

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Prespes lakes face severe drought threat

Scientists are warning of the “slow death” of the Prespes lakes, as water levels have dropped to their lowest point in 35 years.

Popular mountain destination in Greece introduces ‘culture fee’ per night for visitors

Tourists staying in the Municipality of Zagori will now pay a €0.75 “culture fee” per night for hotel or short-term rental accommodations.

Greece declares 2026 a tribute year to Manos Hadjidakis

The Greek Ministry of Culture has proclaimed 2026 a year dedicated to honoring Manos Hadjidakis, the visionary composer.

Greece to deregister 285,000 inactive university students

Greece’s Education Ministry will remove over 285,000 inactive students from university records in December, Sofia Zacharaki announced

My Greek Kitchen’s Niki Louca shares her favourite Pavlova Roll recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald.

You May Also Like

Dora and George Hatzikiriakos’ fish and chip shop among the best on NSW South Coast

The Eurobodalla on the NSW south coast is home to some of the best fish and chip joints. "Harzikiriakos' Ocean Grill is one of them.

Private Ross Hamilton Smith’s unusual reunion with his wartime diary from Greece

Dr Michael Bendon shares the story of Private Ross Hamilton Smith's unusual reunion with his wartime diary from Greece.

Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visits Greek Consulate in Sydney

On Monday, 6 October 2025, Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, paid an official visit to the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney.