Plus, it’s no secret that young people look up to elite athletes. As a result of the Enhanced Games, increasing levels of PED use could reach high school sports, an unintended consequence of the endeavor. “These Games are sending an inappropriate message to our children,” says Yesalis.
Furthermore, says John William Devine, a lecturer in sports ethics and integrity at Swansea University in the U.K., “lifting the ban on performance-enhancing drugs would undermine the purpose of the sport themselves.” If it’s impossible to separate the quality of a pharmacological cocktail from the will and skills of the athlete, an achievement can quickly lose its luster. “The fact that you have run faster or lifted more or jumped longer or jumped higher doesn’t necessarily mean that your performance is more excellent,” says Devine.
Still, experts worry the Enhanced Games could steal some shine from the official record holders. “It’s a little bit unfortunate that it’s a distraction from the greatest-ever performers we have out there,” says Joyner, citing Olympic champions like U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky and shot-putter Ryan Crouser, who also hold world records. “You’re looking for some edge, when these people are pushing limits so effectively within the rules.”
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