(NewsNation) — The Enhanced Games wants to run an Olympic-style event featuring track and field, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics and combat sports. But there’s one big difference from the actual Olympics: Athletes would be allowed to use a variety of approved performance-enhancing drugs, state-of-the-art shoes, and in some cases, prosthetic limbs.
“It’s not the modern-day Olympics. It’s the modern-day Gladiator,” said fitness expert Jillian Michaels about the competition that hopes to hold its first event in 2025.
“Reform is overdue,” said Aron D’Souza, president of the Enhanced Games. In a statement on The Enhanced Games website, he said the event is not meant to be an alternative to the Olympics.
“It’s a complementary solution, a harmonious existence for the natural and the enhanced athlete, bolstered by transparent, effective drug testing and open collaboration,” he said.
While the substances athletes use would have to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, “in what dosage,” asks Michaels.
“I am always concerned about the health component. I worry for the athletes. I wouldn’t want to encourage it,” Michaels told NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live” on Thursday.
Despite many concerns, The Enhanced Games says it’s received inquiries from thousands of athletes around the world. One big attraction for them may be money.
“We are pleased to confirm that top tier athletes will receive a six-figure base salary, and that the first athletes to set new world records for the 100m sprint and the 50m freestyle will receive $1,000,000,” according to the organization’s website.
D’Souza, an Australian entrepreneur based in London, is leading the effort with the help of big-money investors, most notably Peter Thiel, the founder of PayPal.